Agnostic

The old Aviary/Longslice location has been taken over by Lost Craft. Of course, they have trivia. Craft beer; tasty food; good times. Let's go back.

For better or worse, how we relate to others (and ourselves) is shaped by the world around us. One factor that shapes the way we relate to one another is *power*: Who holds the power, who is perceived to hold power, whether or not power is transferable, and finally, our placement within the hierarchical structures of power we inhabit. Power manifests in many forms — from animal predation, which many consider natural, to inequalities of ability and disability, and those based on race, gender, class, and sexuality. On a personal level, relationships in homes, classrooms, workplaces, public spaces and more can embody power dynamics we don’t always recognize, or which replicate patterns we have inherited from sources external to the relationship itself (family, culture, etc). Common beliefs about power seem full of ambiguity. In some cases, mentioning that power is part of a situation implies unfairness, corruption, or evil intent. At other times, we seek to encourage “empowerment,” to give power to those who have been oppressed, or to liberate people by helping them attain more power. At our upcoming Curiosity Café, moderated by Sophia Whicher and Bill Kroeger, we will talk about how power functions in our everyday lives and in society more broadly, and interrogate the relationship between power and inequality. We’ll explore questions like: * How does power influence the dynamics of our everyday lives? * How do different kinds of power influence different kinds of relationships? * What does power mean to you, and how does it connect to inequality? Is inequality an inherent part of human existence? * Is scapegoating a necessary part of how social hierarchies function? * Is power in itself good, bad, or neutral? * Which power dynamics do you find problematic? When, if at all, do you think power is something we should use? **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-power-in-social-relations-tickets-1991414959752) 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.

**Holy Smoke: S’mores & More** Ignite! Young Adult Ministry (ages 18–39) **Tuesday\, June 16 \| 7:00–9:00 PM** **St. Patrick’s Rectory Garden** *(enter off St. Patrick Street)* Join us for Holy Smoke: S’mores & More, a summer BBQ and bonfire right in the heart of the city. Gather around the fire for delicious make-your-own s’mores, food, and fellowship with other young adults. Admission is free – donations welcome. Register and get your ticket HERE: [https://bit.ly/IgniteBBQ-June16](https://bit.ly/IgniteBBQ-June16) Bring a friend and join us for a meaningful, joy-filled summer evening! (Kindly register to help us plan for the number of attendees.) Hosted by St. Patrick’s Ignite Young Adult Ministry

JOIN THE TORONTO TAROT MEETUP FOR AN OPEN Q&A NIGHT – TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026 Same magical vibe, same welcoming space, and a whole new evening to ask everything you’ve ever wondered about tarot, divination, and the mystical unknown. Ever had a question about tarot but felt too shy to ask? Here’s your chance. We’re creating a warm, judgment-free zone where no topic is off limits. Submit your questions anonymously—whether it’s about card meanings, spiritual practices, intuition, or “is this normal?”—we’ve got you covered. Nothing is too basic, too weird, or too out there.  HERE’S WHAT THE NIGHT LOOKS LIKE: · A safe, open space to ask anything tarot or divination related · Anonymous questions so you can speak freely without pressure · Real, thoughtful, down-to-earth conversations that spark new ideas · A cozy chance to connect with other curious souls and tarot lovers We’ll be meeting once again at the truly special and enchanted ALTERNITY CAFE – a space that already feels like it belongs in a different realm, perfect for an evening like this. Whether you’ve been reading tarot for years or just pulled your first card last week, you belong here.  ENERGY EXCHANGE: PWYC (Pay What You Can) + please grab a drink to support Alternity Cafe for being such a magical host Come hang out, ask your questions, and leave feeling a little more connected—to the cards, to the community, and to your own curiosity. Toronto Tarot Meetup – Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Same time, same place, same open-hearted energy. See you there 

The next event is happening on Tuesday June 16 at 6:00 PM at Riverdale Park! (Weather permitting) We'll be meeting beside St. Matthew's Clubhouse (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QPdak2vwKTpgDMf9?g_st=ac) Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

**When:** Tuesdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Winter/Spring 2026 **Where:** 792 Glencairn Ave., Toronto, ON **Attend online via Zoom:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89671983431?pwd=hoYVrQG1EF4ibvIieyTnavmXxWcy5h.1 **Main Text:** [Deity, Cosmos and Man](https://www.theosophy.world/sites/default/files/ebooks/DeityCosmosAndMan_GFarthing.pdf) by Geoffrey Farthing If the above link is broken, paste this into bar for free PDF: https://www.theosophy.world/sites/default/files/ebooks/DeityCosmosAndMan_GFarthing.pdf This third part of our **Intro to Theosophy** series turns to *Deity, Cosmos and Man* by Geoffrey Farthing, a clear and reliable guide to the foundational teachings of Theosophy as originally presented by **Helena Petrovna Blavatsky** and her Adept teachers. This study explores a living, intelligent universe governed by unity, law, and vast evolutionary cycles, and examines how the human being reflects these same cosmic principles within their own inner constitution. Emphasis is placed on Theosophy not as a belief system, but as a coherent body of knowledge—offering insight into consciousness, post-death states, hierarchies of beings, and the deeper purpose of human evolution. Alongside discussion and reflection, the group will explore guided experiential exercises designed to support awareness, perception, and integration. The intention is to: * Develop a clear understanding of core Theosophical principles * Explore the relationship between cosmos, consciousness, and the human constitution * Encourage experiential insight alongside study and dialogue * Support inner balance, discernment, and conscious self-development This class is suitable for: * Students continuing from Parts 1 and 2 of the Intro to Theosophy series * Those interested in Theosophy, cosmology, and human evolution * Participants seeking a grounded, psychologically oriented approach to spiritual study * Anyone curious about consciousness, meditation, and the deeper structure of reality No prior experience with Theosophy, yoga, or meditation is required. Only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore thoughtfully.

As I looked under CFI’s Mission, Vision, and Values, the phrase ‘**community**’ stood out in the opening line. Then, I found it repeated seven more times, all within a short description. Elsewhere, CFI informs us we run ‘open’ and ‘friendly’ discussions in ‘safe and hospitable’ environments for everyone. And 'Critical Thinking' is, you might say, the backbone for starting any discussion. But while we all know what thinking is, how is **critical thinking** different? Especially in matters that are not quantitatively measurable? As humans, thankfully, we are born curious – we probably won’t have learnt to crawl on four to experience our body and the world around us. We all are capable of being forever-curious – and therefore seeing through the evidence methodically. That is a good start for any talk no matter how complex it may seem. If it’s a human problem, we may not solve it, but surely can think through it critically. That’s a big, and hopeful, first step! Tantalizing? Let’s Talk!

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **This tour is hosted by the most evil creature that ever walked the earth, Jack the Ripper. This is his event so tread lightly if you know what is good for you. One day only, one event! Need I say more!** Haunted Toronto. Indeed. Scary stories of old York. Bloody York. Murder and mayhem. And at this time of year, when the sun is at the highest point the devils come a knocking. At night when the chill cools the blood, and the summer days seem endless stories of the truly brutal emerge. And this walk is like no other. Tales of hauntings from the U of T, Hospital Row, and the Financial District make this a spooky event for all. Come and enjoy the walk, if you survive that is! This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. This walking tour begins at the Queen's Park SUBWAY Station at the southwest corner of University Avenue and College Street in front of the **Tim Horton's Cafe.** **There are only 30 spaces for this tour!** This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. Get your tickets now while you still have the chance. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

*USA Today* National Bestseller. There's a war against truth... and if we don't win it, intellectual freedom will be a casualty. The West’s commitment to freedom, reason, and true liberalism has never been more seriously threatened than it is today by the stifling forces of political correctness. Dr. Gad Saad, the host of the enormously popular YouTube show THE SAAD TRUTH, exposes the bad ideas—what he calls “idea pathogens”—that are killing common sense and rational debate. Incubated in our universities and spread through the tyranny of political correctness, these ideas are endangering our most basic freedoms—including freedom of thought and speech. The danger is grave, but as Dr. Saad shows, politically correct dogma is riddled with logical fallacies. We have powerful weapons to fight back with—if we have the courage to use them. A provocative guide to defending reason and intellectual freedom and a battle cry for the preservation of our fundamental rights, *The Parasitic Mind* will be the most controversial and talked-about book of the year. ═════ Discussion questions: TBD Facilitator: Andrii ═════ $$ Refundable deposit: We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event. Please make a **refundable** deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to [toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com](mailto:toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com), when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer. You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you! ═════ Meeting format: * We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand. * A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time. * Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.

Beach BBQ & Brews Festival The Beach Rib Fest – Beach BBQ & Brews is Toronto/GTA’s #1 Father’s Day destination for ten (10) years and running! We’ve brought in the BEST RIB TEAMS in CANADA to take to the grill, all for you. Also be sure to check out our Craft Beer & Summer Cocktail Market featuring some of the best brewers in Ontario. Ribbers include: Kentucky Smokehouse, Camp 31, New York BBQ, Hoggs Gone Wild, Uncle Sams, Oak & Barrel, Louisiana BBQ, Sticky Fingers Craft brewers include: Flying Monkeys, Barnstormer Brewing, Iconic Brewing, Highlander Brewing, Naughty Otter, Beau's Brewing, Left Field + MORE Funnel Cakes, Blooming Onions, Ice Cream, Poutine, Burgers/Sausages, Deep Fried Treats, Jerk Brothers, and more tasty creations will also be on site. There will also be midway games, live music, and shopping! Free entry. We will be playing volleyball in the morning and early afternoon then head over for some ribs and beer !! (this event is only for ribs and beer part). Event start time is approximate and will depend on when we finish playing volleyball. What better way to spend a day ?

**NO PHILOSOPHY EXPERTISE REQUIRED!** **🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:30-19:45 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:45-19:55 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:55-21:15 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 21:15-21:30 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:30 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Toronto Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

Hey football fans! ⚽️ Ready for some World Cup action? Whether you're a die-hard supporter wearing your team's jersey or just in it for the incredible atmosphere (and the snacks), come join us to watch the game on the big screen! We’re gathering to cheer and celebrate every goal together with a great crowd and awesome vibes. Don't watch it alone at home—grab a snack, bring your high energy, and let's enjoy the beautiful game together. See you there! 🙌🏆

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** **This dinner in particular will be very special as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. How better to honor a semiquincentennial of democracy that spending an evening practicing it?** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**🎸💼 Welcome to the Reston Area Rockers of Team Network! 💼🎸** Ready to grow your business, expand your circle of influence, and connect with serious professionals, entrepreneurs, and Main Street business leaders in the Reston and Dulles Corridor area? **Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** The Reston Area Rockers are one of Team Network’s dynamic weekly networking teams where relationships are built, referrals are exchanged, collaborations are formed, and opportunities are created. **🕛 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM** **🍽 First Wednesday of each month IN PERSON at:** **Houlihan’s at the Dulles Crowne Plaza** **At Team Network, we believe that:** ➡️ Networkers network. ➡️ Quantity has a quality of its own. ➡️ One introduction can change everything. This is NOT a room full of commercials and awkward handshakes. This is a professional business networking organization built on intentional introductions, strategic partnerships, education, accountability, and authentic relationships. **Whether you are:** ✔️ A business owner ✔️ Entrepreneur ✔️ Consultant ✔️ Sales professional ✔️ Tradesperson ✔️ Executive ✔️ Community leader **…there may be an exclusive seat waiting for you on the Team.** **Expect:** 🔥 Powerful introductions 🔥 Tactical referrals 🔥 Strategic “Power Play Partners” 🔥 Education and collaboration 🔥 A positive, growth-minded atmosphere 🔥 A community that wants to see you win **Visitors are welcome to attend up to two meetings per year.** **Make this the year your business joins the Team and Runs with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** #TeamNetwork #RunWithAPack #BusinessNetworking #RestonVA #NorthernVirginia #Networking #Entrepreneurship #MainStreetBusiness #ProfessionalNetworking #GiveAndGo #Reston

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Can Artificial Intelligence ‘See’?”** A look at how humans and artificial intelligence systems interpret the visual world in fundamentally different ways, with Arryn Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and cognitive scientist who researches visual attention, perception, and category learning. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see) .] Artificial intelligence can now identify faces, categorize objects, describe scenes, and outperform humans on certain visual tasks. But does AI actually “see” the world the way that people do? Or does it arrive at correct answers using representations that differ markedly from human perception? Join Arryn Robbins of the University of Richmond for a fascinating exploration of how humans and AI construct meaning from visual information and a look at comparisons between human perception and AI that reveal just how dynamic and context-dependent our own visual systems really are. Dr. Robbins, who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on flaws and biases in human visual perception, will draw from research in cognitive science, visual perception, and AI vision systems. She’ll explain how human perception is not merely a simple recording of the world, but an active process shaped by expectations, context, goals, and recent experience. You’ll learn how humans form flexible mental representations that allow us to recognize objects across changing environments and conditions, and why those representations continuously adapt as we interact with the world. Many AI systems, by contrast, learn visual categories through statistical patterns in data. They can produce impressive results, but sometimes they also produce strange and unexpected failures, and sometimes they classify images in ways that seem strange to us. Dr. Robbins will discuss what these differences reveal about the nature of perception itself, and why the mismatch between human and AI representations matters for technologies like self-driving cars, medical imaging, facial recognition, and automated surveillance. Important for anyone trying to understand the rapidly growing role of AI in daily life, this talk will explore one of the biggest questions in cognitive science and artificial intelligence: What does it actually mean to “see” and understand the world? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “Eye Farm” by Nevit Dilmen (Wikimedia Commons).

**🐺🤝🇺🇸💼Team Network’s Asburn Growth Hub** **Weekly Professional Business Networking In-Person** **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| In\-Person \- Silver Diner\, Ashburn\, VA** **Start your Thursday morning with energy, momentum, and meaningful professional connections.** **A monthly dynamic multi-team professional networking In-person meeting is designed to help serious professionals build relationships, exchange introductions, and grow their businesses.** **At Team Network, we believe that business grows through relationships built on Know–Like–Trust. Our meetings are structured, engaging, and focused on helping members become the answer when someone asks: “Do you know a great professional who can help with this?”** **These meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who understand that:** **• If you have time to breathe, you have time to network** **• Quantity has a quality of its own** **• Consistent weekly engagement creates powerful referral relationships** **During the meeting you will experience:** **✅ Structured professional introductions** **✅ Referral opportunities and warm introductions** **✅ Insight from high-level professionals across industries** **✅ Accountability and business development momentum** **✅ A welcoming but serious environment for professionals who want to grow** **Our multi-team format increases the energy and opportunity in the room by bringing together members from multiple Team Network teams—creating more connections, more introductions, and more opportunity for everyone involved.** **👥 Visitors Welcome** **Professionals who are not yet members of Team Network are invited to attend up to two meetings as a guest. After that, those who wish to continue are encouraged to apply for membership and claim their professional seat.** **Team Network is designed for professionals seeking a long-term marketing and business development cornerstone for their business.** **Make this the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| In\-Person** **Team Network’s Asburn Growth Hub** **Bring your energy, bring your introductions, and come ready to grow.**

Looking for a meaningful and uplifting way to celebrate the Summer Solstice? Join us at **Unity of Fairfax** for a special **Posipalooza Concert** featuring award-winning artists whose music inspires hope, healing, and connection. Following our Sunday service, enjoy an intimate afternoon of positive music with: • Sloan Wainwright • Glen Roethel • Patricia Bahia • Sue Riley Want a preview? Patricia Bahia will also share her music during the 11:00 AM Sunday service to help set the tone for this joyful day of celebration. This Summer Solstice gathering is an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy music that uplifts the spirit and brings people together. **Admission:** Pay what you can at the door ($20 per person suggested love offering). Everyone is welcome, and your presence is what matters most.