World of Darkness

Our families, or lack thereof, are one of the first things we become aware of. For better or worse, as children, most of us rely on family to meet our needs and help us learn how to exist in the world. Their presence or absence shapes our behaviours and affects how others treat us. We may be judged by what our parents do for work, how our children behave, whether we have strong or weak family values and ties, or our ability to fulfill familial obligations. ‘Family’ shapes how we come to learn about the world, how we relate to one another and to ourselves, and the goals we set. Through our lived experience, the stories we’re told, and the cultural values many of us have inherited, ‘family’ has become a relational category whose existence we assume is natural; that is, family units have always existed and always will. But could a world without families exist? Statistically, families are the epicentre for cases of violence and abuse, and perpetuating economic inequality. Given this, would we be *better off* in a world without family as we know it? Join co-moderators Fallon Taylor-Kanary and Sophia Whicher at our next Curiosity Café, where we’ll explore the following questions: * Who do you consider to be family? Why? * How do you feel when you think about family? * What function does family play in our lives? * Why are families sites of so much violence? * How is contemporary infrastructure (architecture, policies, institutions, etc) designed around families? * How would our relations be different if our material and economic conditions weren’t shaped or mediated by the family? * Would a world without families *necessarily* be a world with less love and care? **Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-ethics-of-the-family-tickets-1987289282741) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle. Hope to see you there! ***__________________________________________________________________*** This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us. By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/). About the Curiosity Café Series: For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.

A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum. Electrifying, funny, and wholly original, *Martyr!* heralds the arrival of an essential new voice in contemporary fiction. Cyrus Shams is a young man grappling with an inheritance of violence and loss: his mother’s plane was shot down over the skies of the Persian Gulf in a senseless accident; and his father’s life in America was circumscribed by his work killing chickens at a factory farm in the Midwest. Cyrus is a drunk, an addict, and a poet, whose obsession with martyrs leads him to examine the mysteries of his past—toward an uncle who rode through Iranian battlefields dressed as the angel of death to inspire and comfort the dying, and toward his mother, through a painting discovered in a Brooklyn art gallery that suggests she may not have been who or what she seemed. Kaveh Akbar’s *Martyr!* is a paean to how we spend our lives seeking meaning—in faith, art, ourselves, others.

**Registration only** [here](https://luma.com/xxuglfzm) **https://luma.com/xxuglfzm** **Interview, FAQ+discussion, and a free haircut** **This isn’t a joke** **This isn’t an integration circle** **This hasn’t been written with AI** **This isn’t a screening of** ***Everything Everywhere All At Once*** **(though that would be cool, too)** **This is a talk about the similarities of working as a 5-MeO guide and working in a hair salon or barbershop. Seriously.** **(image taken with my iPhone 8)** **What do you know about 5-MeO-DMT?** **The narratives surrounding 5-MeO-DMT are as varied as they are striking: hyperbolic, fascinating, dismissive, and often bewildering.** **Expect an irreverent, playful, metaphorical ride that ranges from critiques on psychonautic culture to serious nondual talk. There’ll probably be some poetry also. 🗣️And maybe a fundraiser for my book writing venture. 🔌** **Whether you’re an enlightened human being or just learning about healing, join me as I field questions about the extraordinary and sublime experiences that can occur with this poorly understood substance.** **Interviewer TBA.** **Example questions:** ***- DMT and 5-MeO-DMT: What’s the difference?*** ***- Is a therapist suggesting “Low 5” for you?*** ***- “I had a blackout and don’t remember anything”! WTF?*** ***- What’s the difference between ceremonial and therapy contexts? Which one is right for me?*** ***- What’s an ‘ego death’, really?*** ***- I have my own vape pen. Now what?*** **Who is this guy? (A self-written bio but written in the 3rd-person)** **From the early-2010’s, 5-MeO-DMT has been the ‘pointer’ towards the One that has become chad’s craft and vocation. Since 2016, his full-time work has been to offer 5 experiences to ~1000 individuals in a variety of ways, in a variety of contexts, and in a variety of locations. He has contributed to the unregulated (read: underground) field’s efforts to establish and safeguard best practices and codes of ethics via facilitator gatherings, media, as well as mentoring and training other guides. He has also contributed to the regulated field’s efforts to better understand this substance, having facilitated two naturalistic (field) research studies with Dr. Malin Uthaug, a leading 5-MeO-DMT researcher, and** [speaking at conferences](https://youtu.be/itFwlDwEavY?si=X_2Ohxdu6aoO_ibT) **. chad has become a well-respected member of the global 5 community of practice to which he has consistently contributed his voice, his perspectives, and his example.** **Registration only** [here](https://luma.com/xxuglfzm)

Dive into the world of swimming with our exciting meetup group! Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop as we cover essential skills and techniques to feel confident swimming. Our experienced instructors will provide tips on breathing, sighting, and navigation to help you conquer any body of water. Whether you're new to swimming or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the excitement of swimming with our welcoming community of swimmers. Admission includes a 1 hour swimming lesson, group or individual, depending on your comfort level and ability. All lessons will begin at the start of each hour (i.e. 6 pm, 7 pm). You are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get acquainted, as well as change & set up. This is a BYOE workshop (Bring Your Own Equipment), so bathing suits, bathing caps, goggles, and ear/nose plugs are your responsibility. All other equipment, such as floatation devices, are available on site. I will be on site to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have, as well as collect admission fees. You are welcome to hang back after your lesson to observe (a viewing gallery is available, however please be respectful of participants & instructors that are in session). This is a public pool facility, so please follow all safety protocols (i.e. no running on deck) With that in mind, I look forward to seeing you all out there and ready to have a blast in the pool.

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for Taco Tuesday at the Duke of York, followed by FREE entry to the Royal Ontario Museum to see our First Peoples Exhibit and TBL fan favourite, Earth's Treasures. We will meet-up at the Duke of York for Taco Tuesday and a pint of the good stuff. $6 Tacos + $7 Margaritas + $7 Corona after 4pm! I have made a reservation for 8 under Lawrence with the top hat! https://dukepubs.ca/duke-of-york/#view-menu 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B2 At 7 pmish, we will walk over to the ROM to gain FREE entry. There is a bag check, so please be prepared. 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6 I will do my best to secure the free passes ahead of time, though if you can manage to get one for yourself, click the link below. Advance tickets are required, and walk-in entry is not available. To reserve your spot, click the **“Book Tickets”** button at the top of this page, select the **third Tuesday of the month** on the calendar, and choose **“3rd Tuesday Nights Free.”** Tickets are released **two weeks before** each event. https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/special-programs/third-tuesday-nights-free On the ground floor, we will see our awesome First Peoples exhibit, which should take about 30 minutes to see. Then we will head-up to the second floor by elevator to see the Earth's Treasures. This hidden gem, pardon the pun, is a delight to see. At 8:15 pm, the ROM staff begin to shoo us out.

\*\*\*PLEASE READ\*\*\* This listing is for information purposes only. To reserve a spot, sign up here: https://www.woodforsheep.ca/pages/event-scheduling What is DDAL? The D&D Adventurers League is an ongoing official organized play campaign for Dungeons & Dragons. It uses the fifth edition of the Dungeons & Dragons rules, and features the Forgotten Realms setting. You can play D&D Adventurers League games at any place that features adventures bearing the D&D Adventurers League logo. You can create a character and bring that character to games anywhere D&D Adventurers League is supported. More details: https://dnd.wizards.com/playevents/players Sitting fees apply.

Join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

Please contact event host, Christopher, for the event location at christopher.tyrrell@ymail.com

**April 24 - The Hottest Bollywood Party On King Street** [https://flite.city/e/bollywood-after-dark-at-oria-after-dark?t=you](https://flite.city/e/bollywood-after-dark-at-oria-after-dark?t=you) West BOLLYWOOD AFTER DARK - 10pm To 4am VENUE: @Oriaafterdark📍220 King St W Toronto 🎖️VIP TABLES AVAILABLE - DM TO RESERVE LIMITED CAPACITY — EXPECT A FULL HOUSE ❌Presale SOLD OUT 🧨EARLY BIRD Ends in 24 Hours FOLLOW US ON INSTA AT @letsnacho.to

Join us for our April programme at the beautiful Paradise Theatre in Toronto. Our fabulous pre-show begins at 12:30 pm and the programme begins at 1 pm. The Toronto Film Society presents a double feature celebrating the birth of cinematic spectacle, pairing two landmark adventures that defined the movie monster. In The Lost World (1925), Arthur Conan Doyle’s dinosaurs come thrillingly to life through the pioneering stop-motion of Willis O’Brien, launching a new era of screen fantasy. Eight years later, King Kong (1933) built on that breakthrough with one of the most famous creations in film history, blending awe, romance, and tragedy into a story that still towers over the genre. Together, these two films trace the origins of movie magic - and the enduring power of imagination. Tickets here: https://paradiseonbloor.com/purchase/476746/

**April 24 - The Hottest Bollywood Party On King Street West** **BOLLYWOOD AFTER DARK - 10pm To 4am -->** [https://flite.city/e/bollywood-after-dark-at-oria-after-dark?t=you ](https://flite.city/e/bollywood-after-dark-at-oria-after-dark?t=you) **VENUE: @Oriaafterdark📍220 King St W Toronto** **🎖️VIP TABLES AVAILABLE - DM TO RESERVE** **LIMITED CAPACITY — EXPECT A FULL HOUSE** **❌Presale SOLD OUT 🧨EARLY BIRD Ends in 24 Hours** **🚀TICKETS SELLING FAST - DON’T WAIT**

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

Contact Alex for location and information.

For over fifty years, Sydney Lumet was one of America's best known and respected directors, but his final film "Before the Devil Knows You;re Dead" is not well known at all. Look it up, read about it, watch it and come discuss it with us at East Market, upstairs, Note: I've listed the start time at 7PM. That means - if at all possible - order your food (if you're eating) early enough to get it and be ready to start the discussion AT 7:00PM, Check back for updates.

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! For THE CHRISTOPHERS, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm! For NORMAL, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:10 and 7:20pm! For both films, tickets just $5 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased on the GFC website). Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us for a Fun Friday event as we get together to see the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 original, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2! Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all return for this follow-up that finds the former assistant is now a rival! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follow’s Miranda Priestly's struggle against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amidst declining print media. The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (who wrote/directed the 2006 original). It stars returning cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci along with newcomers Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HXmMnUEdE PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission/concession discounts. And make this a true Fun Friday by joining us after the show for the best part of the night – food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details, including showtime, will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a fun one, Dan

**Hosted by Unity of Columbus \| Facilitated by Carisa Holmes\, EFT Practitioner** Join us for a powerful and uplifting workshop where you’ll be introduced to **Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping**—a simple, effective method that helps release stress, calm the mind, and restore emotional balance. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us carry tension, anxiety, and emotional blocks that impact our well-being. This interactive session will guide you through practical techniques you can use anytime to create a sense of peace and clarity.

"The SOB is a ballet dancer. He’s the best ballet dancer that ever lived, and if I get a good chance I’ll kill him with my bare hands." - W.C. Fields In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558