Corporate Branding

What if life isn’t one journey—but many different games being played at the same time? 🎯 💡Human life is filled with many pursuits—security, relationships, money, knowledge, influence, service, creativity, and personal growth. But what if these pursuits are actually different “games of life” that shape how we spend our time and energy? 🌱In this thought-provoking MOTIVATE Community webinar, Adrian Cahill introduces a fascinating framework for understanding human motivation and life choices. Participants will explore how different life games influence decisions, priorities, and personal fulfilment. Many of these games are not consciously chosen. They are influenced by family, culture, education, and social environments. 📅This session invites you to step back, reflect, and gain deeper self-awareness about the games you are currently playing—and how they shape your life. Join this engaging conversation and begin exploring life with greater awareness and clarity. 🚀**Key Takeaways** ✅ Understand the concept of the Games of Life framework ✅ Discover how human motivations shape life choices ✅ Recognize unconscious influences affecting life decisions ✅ Explore different life pursuits such as security, relationships, career, knowledge, and service ✅ Gain greater self-awareness about personal motivations 🚀**Additional Benefits** ✅ Reflect on what currently drives your life ✅ Learn how different pursuits interact and influence each other ✅ Increase clarity about your priorities ✅ Begin exploring how awareness changes decision-making **🎤 ABOUT THE MOTIVATE COMMUNITY** Our community is a not for profit, social enterprise. We share passion for personal and community growth and evolution. Started by Adrian Cahill, partly Townsville local, partly expatriate and international Coach. For the last years Adrian has brought hundreds of new & experienced coaches/therapist/speakers to our live and virtual community sharing from the heart. **CONTACT DETAILS** 👉Telephone: 0432170578 👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/Adriannqld 👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/adriannqld/ 👉Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adriancahill/ 👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@MotivateCommunity 👉Website: www.motivatecommunity.com ⏰**March 15, 2026** (𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆), 𝟭.𝟱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 5:00 PM GMT+8 China 7:00 PM GMT+10 Brisbane 8:00 PM GMT+11 Sydney/Canberra 4:00 AM GMT-5 New York 10:00 AM GMT+1 Barcelona 📌For first-time attendees please scan the QR code on the flyer or click the following link to register and become part of our enriching live discussion, all at no cost: https://adriancahill.agilecrm.com/forms/6002900926529536 📌Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/86301571361 Log-in: 86301571361 Password: #motivate 👉Don’t miss it. Register now!

👉 **To join:** Please add Daisy on WeChat at **daisy00233** **We conduct all discussions over WeChat only.** Hello, my name is Daisy Wen. I studied English Literature as an undergraduate and later completed an LLB with the University of London. Beyond academics, I have a long-standing fascination with Chinese tea culture. In China, tea is far more than a beverage. It is deeply woven into history, daily life, etiquette, art, and philosophy. Even the Japanese tea ceremony traces its roots back to tea traditions of the Tang Dynasty. I am beginning to organize small, relaxed visits to tea farms for those who are genuinely curious about tea — how it is grown, harvested, processed, and appreciated. If you enjoy meaningful cultural experiences and good conversation over a proper cup of tea, I am forming a WeChat group for like-minded friends. Let us meet for a cuppa and see where the journey takes us.

Time : 15:00-16:00 Venue: Oriental Sports Center Cost: RMB 55/person After sign up, Please add the host wechat via hawk_cn Citywalkers Group invites you to play some badminton games. Do you have your rackets ready? Let's have some smashing fun! Enjoy the badminton! Build friendship. Spread the happiness. We arrange two courts for the two hours and most of us are social players to have fun. Most of time is playing double. Please prepare your own racket and we will prepare feathers shuttlecocks. ​Advance booking and prepaid are required and RSVP will stop after all availble spaces have been filled! Please add tour leader wechat: hawk_cn to register for this event. Cancellation：at least 24hrs before the session start time. This will ensure fair access for everyone. Ignoring RSVPs: Anyone with 2 no-shows (signed up but not played) will be de-prioritized for future sessions, meaning their RSVPs won’t be taken seriously. Badminton is a very intense and high demanding sport, players with heart disease, high blood pressure and other physical condition that may hinder their performance are discouraged from joining. You will need correct shoes and clothing. Please ensure that you stretch and warm up before and after sessions to prevent injury. Your are responsible for your own well-being and we and the sports facility representatives will not be responsible for any injury, stolen or damaged property or any other occurrences during our sessions.

Time : 17:00-19:00 Venue: Oriental Sports Center Cost: RMB 55/person After sign up, Please add the host wechat via hawk_cn Citywalkers Group invites you to play some badminton games. Do you have your rackets ready? Let's have some smashing fun! Enjoy the badminton! Build friendship. Spread the happiness. We arrange two courts for the two hours and most of us are social players to have fun. Most of time is playing double. Please prepare your own racket and we will prepare feathers shuttlecocks. ​Advance booking and prepaid are required and RSVP will stop after all availble spaces have been filled! Please add tour leader wechat: hawk_cn to register for this event. Cancellation：at least 24hrs before the session start time. This will ensure fair access for everyone. Ignoring RSVPs: Anyone with 2 no-shows (signed up but not played) will be de-prioritized for future sessions, meaning their RSVPs won’t be taken seriously. Badminton is a very intense and high demanding sport, players with heart disease, high blood pressure and other physical condition that may hinder their performance are discouraged from joining. You will need correct shoes and clothing. Please ensure that you stretch and warm up before and after sessions to prevent injury. Your are responsible for your own well-being and we and the sports facility representatives will not be responsible for any injury, stolen or damaged property or any other occurrences during our sessions.

Hi There, 60+ Expats, Tourists, and locals join us to make new friends, have fun and learn new things, stay in company and share views and opinions on different topics. Don't worry about your language level or being new, Hosts will welcome you warmly at the venue and introduce you to a few other attendees so long as you come early. You'll soon feel at home!! **We have our area booked for Meetup. Please ask the cafe staff for language Exchangers Shanghai, they will help you find us.** → **Special thanks to our partners** **HSBC,** a British [universal bank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_bank) and [financial services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services) group headquartered in [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London), England, with historical and business links to [East Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia) and a [multinational](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_corporation) footprint. It is the [largest Europe-based bank by total assets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banks_in_Europe), ahead of [BNP Paribas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNP_Paribas), with US$2.953 trillion as of December 2021. **italki**, the global language learning platform offering 1-on-1 online lessons with qualified native-speaking teachers → **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Show hosts ticket you bought to check in & get a wristband C. Get your first free welcome drink, or order something else you’d love to have D. Grab seats, make a self-introduction, start topics discussion, and at 4:15 PM stand-up free networking chat → **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program (Get ￥10 Refund on-site** if you RSVP on meetup) **Female** ￥40 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥50 / person **Male** ￥50 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥60 / person \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **At Door** ￥70/ person(all genders) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Add **Eric's WeChat: 15026652832 to score tickets via WeChat Mini Program. Registration is valid after payment is made.** \*\***All tickets include one free drink**.\*\* Refunds only if the event is canceled. Your credit will be switched to the very next event on the same day of next week once only if couldn't make the one which u already paid for → **Check-in Time:** **3:00-3:30 pm,** (@Eric with a word of I’ll be late on group chat if u arrive during 3:30-4:00 pm, **Do Not accept any check-in after** 4:00 **pm**) Plz don’t forget to update your RSVP to free up space if you can’t make it anymore, thanks. **l Venue:** **TsingTao 1903 Beer Bar（Jing An Temple Branch）** → **l Address:** No. 315 Yuyuan Rd, Jing’An District, Shanghai → **l Subway:** **Exit 1 of Jing An Temple station of Line 2，7，14** → **l Event Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM** Every Sunday（Plz arrive on time or a bit early， leave anytime) → We’d also love to know what you expect from this group, and what types of activities you’d be into. open to all propositions for the meet-ups activities By participating in our events, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed. The photos and videos will be shared on our social networks You may be removed from the group if rude, aggressive, harassing, or coming only to date Any questions Just add **Eric's WeChat: 15026652832** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* If you would miss Saturday’s event, feel free to join our Friday (Link below) https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Disclaimer： Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct, and well-being; recognizes that possibly attend activities, and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. The hosts shall not be held liable for any inconvenience, accidents, rescues, injuries, etc. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 感谢了解我们活动，如果你的英语已经达到能进行基本日常生活、工作交流水平，并希望持续保持活跃度，你就来对地方了。 \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 若想获得活动最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: **Eric - WeChat:15026652832 或** **小红书 搜 language Exchangers Shanghai** 周日活动： @活动地点： TsingTao 1903 (愚园路店) @活动地址： 上海市静安区愚园路315号1楼103室 @活动时间： 每周日下午3:00-6:00（可提前5-10分钟到场，随时离场） @交通方式： **2，7，14 号地铁 到 静安寺 地铁站下 从1号口出 步行5分钟** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 欢迎参加周五晚场次（链接如下） https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/

dear all, We will move to Bailian Zhongshan BEFORE jing’an opens. Welcome to join us Please confirm with me first before you signed up My WeChat is ellenliu12345 60rmb for 2 hours , 6 people share a court 小伙伴们， 所以我们在静安开放之前将会在百联中环打，欢迎加入我们

小红书RedBook: TomEvents. 微信公众号wechat offical account: TomEvents. wechat:lzy9138 First i should let you know That our Time and location could be changing from Time to time,sometimes we don’t update the information here in meetup, so pls add my wechat:Lzy9138 to confirm before you come, I’ll also add you in our wechat group where you ‘ll get the latest notifications Hi There, Welcome to our language exchange party Our Event is devided into 3 parts. 1.Get your drink, grab a seat, and free talk 2.Hosting Part.(Ice-breaking Game,Lucky Draw etc.). Within half an hour. 3.Networking, Board Games, Industry Exchanges and mingling.different areas will be set, everyone Stand up, hold your drink and move freely~ About 1.5 hour **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Use wechat to scan our QR code to check in & get a bracelet C. Get your first free drink. D. Grab a seats and follow the flow. **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program 快团团** Ticket Price Varies from ￥39.9-78 若想获得活动通知 最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: **Tom-WeChat:lzy9138** **小红书/微信公众号：上海英语角TomEvents** 周六活动： @活动时间Time： 每周六下午Every Saturday afternoon 3-6pm \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

Add wechat ellenliu12345 if you want to join the event! sign up in advance is necessary.Welcome join us 50rmb for 2 hours , prepare racket by yourself

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

I will organize a go meeting on every sunday night near nanjing east road. The cafe is nice and i will bring one board with me at the first meeting. Beginners are welcome. I will show the basic rules. Do suggest you add my wechat 864324659 and I can know your levels to find opponents.

**\*\*About Activity\*\*** Unlock the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine in our exclusive Private Cooking Class! Learn to create irresistible dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Shepherd's Purse Wonton using traditional techniques that bring bold, fresh flavors to life. **\*\*Highlights\*\*** **\*Kung Pao Chicken\*** highlights the bold and exciting flavors of Sichuan cuisine, where tender chicken is stir-fried with a medley of crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and fiery Sichuan peppercorns. With its origins in Sichuan province, Kung Pao Chicken showcases the art of combining bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine. **\*Shepherd's Purse Wonton\*** presents a delicate yet flavorful blend of traditional Chinese ingredients, with plump wontons filled with fragrant Shepherd’s Purse leaves, minced meat, and seasonings. The wontons are gently steamed or boiled to perfection, it highlights the harmony between fresh herbs and tender fillings, making it a cherished comfort food with a timeless appeal. **\*\*About Chef\*\*** \- Chef Tony Jiang Founder & Director of Chinese Famous Media Chef Michelin\-Star Restaurant Associator Principle DIrector of Zwilling Gourmet SchoolVice President of Disciples Escoffier China Awards: \- 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand Hong Kong \- 2021 Outstanding Chef of the Year\, The Best Restaurant Awards \- 2019 Authoritative Chef of the Year The Best Restaurant Awards\- 2017 Best Contributor Discuples Escoffier China Delegation \- 2015 French Gastronomic Spirit \- Sopexa **\*\*Itinerary\*\*** \- 4:30pm: Gathering & Introduction \- 5:30pm: Chef's Demostration \- 6:30pm: 3\-4pax/station\, each team to prepare \- 7:00pm: Food appreciation & Photo Taking **\*\*Detailed info\*\*** **Time&Date:** 16:30 - 19:00 Sunday, **Every Wednesday & Sunday, 2026** **Meet up Location:** Jing An Temple Metro Station (Line 2), Exit 1 **Activity Duration:** 2 - 3 Hours **Price:** 499 RMB / Pax **Group size:** 4-20 People **What's included in the price:** · Food Ingredients · Cooking Utensils · Apron · Tableware · Chef instruction service · Complimentary Water + Soft Drinks · First-Aid Kit **What's not included in the price:** · Your own expenses **\*\*Trip Inquiry\*\*** Telephone/WhatsAPP:0086 15001791355 Wechat: OKDealTravel Email: [contact@okdealtravelchina.com](mailto:contact@okdealtravelchina.com) \*Full payment is required when signing up for this activity. If cancel above 3 days prior to departure, full refund will be offered; if cancel 0-3 days prior to departure, 100rmb cancellation fee will be charged.

**\*\*About Activity\*\*** Unlock the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine in our exclusive Private Cooking Class! Learn to create irresistible dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Shepherd's Purse Wonton using traditional techniques that bring bold, fresh flavors to life. **\*\*Highlights\*\*** \*\*\*\*\*Kung Pao Chicken highlights the bold and exciting flavors of Sichuan cuisine, where tender chicken is stir-fried with a medley of crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and fiery Sichuan peppercorns. With its origins in Sichuan province, Kung Pao Chicken showcases the art of combining bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine. \*\*\*\*\*Shepherd's Purse Wonton presents a delicate yet flavorful blend of traditional Chinese ingredients, with plump wontons filled with fragrant Shepherd’s Purse leaves, minced meat, and seasonings. The wontons are gently steamed or boiled to perfection, it highlights the harmony between fresh herbs and tender fillings, making it a cherished comfort food with a timeless appeal. **\*\*About Chef\*\*** \- Chef Tony Jiang Founder & Director of Chinese Famous Media Chef Michelin\-Star Restaurant Associator Principle Director of Zwilling Gourmet SchoolVice President of Disciples Escoffier China Awards: \- 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand Hong Kong \- 2021 Outstanding Chef of the Year\, The Best Restaurant Awards \- 2019 Authoritative Chef of the Year The Best Restaurant Awards\- 2017 Best Contributor Discuples Escoffier China Delegation \- 2015 French Gastronomic Spirit \- Sopexa **\*\*Itinerary\*\*** \- 4:45pm: Gathering & Introduction \- 5:30pm: Chef's Demostration \- 6:30pm: 3\-4pax/station\, each team to prepare \- 7:00pm: Food appreciation & Photo Taking **\*\*Detailed Info\*\*** **Time&Date: 16:30 - 19:00 Every Wednesday & Sunday, 2026** **Meet up Location:** Jing An Temple Metro Station (Line2) Exit 1 **Activity Duration:** 2 - 3 Hours **Price:** 500 RMB / Pax **Group size:** 4-20 People **What's included in the price:** · Food Ingredients · Cooking Utensils · Apron · Tableware · Chef instruction service · Complimentary Water + Soft Drinks · First-Aid Kit **What's not included in the price:** · Your own expenses **\*\*Trip Inquiry\*\*** Telephone/WhatsAPP:0086 15001791355 Wechat: OKDealTravel Email: [contact@okdealtravelchina.com](http://mailto:contact@okdealtravelchina.com/) **\*\*Full payment** is required when signing up for this activity. If cancel above 3 days prior to departure, full refund will be offered; if cancel 0-3 days prior to departure, 100rmb cancellation fee will be charged.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **Why Not Today? Build Systems That Support Your Growth** **Presented by Leslie Kane, Founder of Why Not Today?** **Wednesday March 25th \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a powerful resource presentation designed to help entrepreneurs move from scattered effort to sustainable momentum. *** ## **About the Session** Entrepreneurs rarely struggle because they lack ideas. They struggle because everything lives in their head. In this session, **Leslie Kane**, founder of **Why Not Today?**, will explore how developing intentional systems creates clarity, focus, and forward progress in business. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, Leslie shares how structure reduces overwhelm, simplifies decision-making, and transforms inconsistent action into repeatable success. If you’re building a business and constantly feeling stretched thin, this conversation will challenge you to ask a powerful question: **Why not today?** *** ## **What You’ll Gain** * Insight into why systems are critical for growth * Practical perspective on turning ideas into structured action * A framework for reducing overwhelm * A mindset shift from reactive to intentional leadership This is not about adding more to your plate — it’s about building the foundation that allows your business to grow without burning you out. *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through conversation and collaboration. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a conversation that may completely change how you approach your business growth.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

Join an exclusive hands-on portrait photography workshop at **Sarosh Photography & Studios** where creativity meets professional guidance. This immersive studio session will give photographers the opportunity to learn lighting techniques, posing direction, composition, and creative storytelling while working with **International model Cordelia**. Participants will gain real-world experience capturing elegant portraits in a controlled studio environment, while also learning practical tips on working with professional models, styling, and creating portfolio-worthy images. This workshop is designed to help photographers refine their artistic vision, improve technical skills, and elevate their portrait photography through guided demonstrations and live shooting sessions.

We are now Meeting at ResQ BBQ in Leesburg \*\*help us track guest attendance, please register here please: https://www.bniconnectglobal.com/web/open/visitorRegistration?chapterId=16801 \*\* *** Thanks for visiting our meetup group for information for BNI Potomac Business Alliance where I am honored to hold the Title Insurance seat. During this meeting you will meet other local business professionals from a wide variety of industries who commit to providing excellent service to people within our shared networks. We will pass over 1.5 million dollars of business in 2022-2023. and we want you to consider applying to be a part of our referral network. So come out, enjoy an excellent breakfast, learn a little more about me and Title Insurance, and consider being a part of a fantastic group of business professionals. Be prepared to tell everyone about your business in about 30 seconds or less. We want to know what you do but have to keep it short so we can complete the meeting's agenda, we want to honor your time! • 30 second elevator speech? What do I say?! Your Name Your Company's Name What your company does (in basic form) One key difference maker (deliver on-time, on budget. or We close complicated cases. or We can sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Etc...) Who you would like to meet in the room or in the area (so we can refer you business :-) ) Keep it short and sweet, there will be plenty of time after and before the meeting to get to know other people in the group and even opportunities to schedule "one to one/1:2:1" meetings. We love to grab our coffee and go out to a spot in the lobby afterwards in one on ones to discuss how we can work together, get to know each other, get business done! So plan a little extra time to meet if need be.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling, Va., to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).