Critical Design

Let’s do some coding together at a cafe! No more working alone in the weekend. Here, we write code together. And I mean together together. Not occupying-the-same-space-but-separate together. Here’s how it works: Jennifer brings her mobile app project, tells everyone that it is like Pinterest for recipes and she’d like to work on the nav bar. Paul and Chloe think Jennifer's project is fascinating, and they join the group. They gather around Jennifer’s laptop and work on the nav bar for 2 hours. Jennifer is the one typing out the code while Paul and Chloe research, brainstorm, and offer suggestions. If you’re feeling stuck on your own project or need a motivation boost, bring it to mob programming! Want to learn by watching how others code and solve problems? Join someone else’s project at this event! Oh and we love your half-done projects that you are a bit embarrassed to share. Absolutely bring those to the event! **Discord**: We use Discord to share screen & code snippets during the event. Also feel free to share your projects here before the event! https://discord.gg/xwjDdVSw3E **Event policy**: * We have 0 tolerance for harassment. * We don’t allow the projects that are not meant to be shared in public such as school assignments, interview tasks, or trade secrets. * The goal is to write code. We discourage you from pitching business ideas here, doing code reviews, or spending the whole event on planning what to do. * Please buy a drink, and tip the barista well.

[Summary] This meetup is for those who are interested in code, web development, design, cloud, or AI. All levels are welcome, so feel free to bring your laptop and discuss what you are working on or what you are learning. You can share your projects and ideas with other participants freely. There are outlets and WiFi, drinks are about $5 for tea, they take card only. [Price] Attendance is FREE. But you need to buy something from the venue. [Policies] \- We do not tolerate harassment of our members \- We remind users that that this meetup is intended for networking and hobby development\, and any attempts at using this meetup event as a dating platform will not be not be tolerated Further information: https://torontostack.exchange/

Moved to May - Location will be Hotel Victoria and Restaurant is "Mossops" as of now and this is in Toronto downtown on the date given in the [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elegant-afternoon-with-desi-singles-singles-event-tickets-1698444034829?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elegant-afternoon-with-desi-singles-singles-event-tickets-1698444034829?aff=oddtdtcreator) This will be our very first Pitch a Friend!! Because we have postponed to March, reach out if you want to buy for yourself or you and +1 wants to purchase. YOU GET A SPECIAL EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! We want to give enough time to ask to purchase tickets! [Event Link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1698444034829?aff=oddtdtcreator)

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

9 books, 45 ebooks. 9 audio

🎨🏙️ **GRADEX 111 – OCAD UNIVERSITY ART EXHIBITION & SOCIA**L 🏙️🎨 Emerging Artists, Creative Energy & A Cultural Hangout If you want to feel inspired, this is the kind of event that does it. Join us for GradEx 111 at OCAD University — Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition, featuring work from over 800 graduating artists and designers. This is a chance to step into the next wave of creativity — exploring everything from painting and photography to design, installation, and experimental work, all in one space. It’s vibrant, it’s varied, and there’s always something that catches you off guard in the best way. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social outing — come explore, react, and experience it together. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ **What We’ll Do** We’ll meet outside and head into the exhibition together, spending about 1.5–2 hours exploring the different displays across the building. You’ll have time to move at your own pace, take it all in, and check out the wide range of disciplines on display. **There’s also:** 🎓 Student work available for purchase 🏅 A special medal-winning exhibition in the Great Hall 🛋️ An alumni lounge space Afterward, we’ll head out to find a nearby spot for drinks or food and keep the conversation going. You’re welcome to join or head out whenever you like. *** 🎨 Vibe & Expectations This is a relaxed, low-pressure event — no art expertise needed. Just: ✔️ Curiosity ✔️ Openness ✔️ A willingness to explore Also — this is NOT a guided tour. It’s about experiencing the exhibition in your own way, while being part of a social group. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Corner of Dundas St W & McCaul St (AGO side) 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head in promptly. End Point: Back at the starting location *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** The exhibition itself is free. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable shoes (we’ll be on our feet) Curiosity and an open mind 🎨 Optional: cash/card for food & drinks afterward *** 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the art. Stay for the conversation. Leave feeling inspired by what people are creating right now. 🎨✨

Join your community of fellow Intuitives and MBTI nerds for a casual evening of engaging conversation. We get together every second Sunday – with a mix of regulars and new friends. There is no fee to attend, though we ask that you support the venue by ordering something to eat or drink. **Feel free to contact event host B. via Facebook/Meetup messenger, or text/call 416-712-8635 for directions**. About the venue: The Pint Public House Nearest Subway: Union Station Map / Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5GfXDSQXeifJ5ot5 We make an effort to find pubs that are quiet and introvert friendly, with a section to ourselves. We make no effort to muffle our extroverts, but should they get out of hand, our resident INTJ will use their death stare, to pull them back in line.

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

**Runners — don’t skip this.** [Confirm your spot here.](https://forms.gle/6JRS91qsP1X2CGU59) If you’ve raced recently or you’re training right now, this **FREE workshop (May 9, 1:30pm at Thrive Longevity)** will help you recover faster, avoid injuries, and improve performance. Led by **Dr. Steven Murray — chiropractor & former pro track athlete —** you’ll learn: • Post-race recovery • Injury prevention • Running form & strength Plus — **VO₂ max testing + gait analysis**, with some **given away for free during the event.** Spots are limited. If you’re serious about running, this is for you. 👉 Save your spot: [https://forms.gle/6JRS91qsP1X2CGU59](https://forms.gle/6JRS91qsP1X2CGU59) [Ask your questions here.](https://forms.gle/6JRS91qsP1X2CGU59)

Bring any piece of music in any form. We'll deconstruct it's musical elements and share with each other what the music evokes and what insights arise. Then, consider how this musical work fits into the broader world of music and sound. After a break well do a musical exercise together and end with a short slent meditation. Advance registration with pay pal $20. Please call Gary to confirm your registration. 647 292 5415 Generosity policy: limited spots available for no or low charge fir those who need it.

你有没有试过，让 AI 替你读一本书？ 十秒钟，梗概有了。 一分钟，重点也有了。 再问几句，它还会解释、比较、反驳。 很方便。也有一点可疑。 一本书，只看 AI 总结，算读过吗？ 工具书也许可以。 小说呢？传记呢？ 那些在某一页突然停住的时刻呢？ AI 能说出《悉达多》讲了什么。 哪一句会在你心里留下来，只有你知道。 **第一期「AI双面圆桌派」，我们聊：** **当 AI 可以总结、解释、陪读、反驳一本书时，人还为什么读书？** 我们该读得更多，还是读得更慢？ 我们和三位嘉宾一起，聊几个问题： * AI 眼里的重点，是我的重点吗？ * 读得快，会不会只是更快地产生“我懂了”的错觉？ * 哪些书可以交给 AI 先读？ * 哪些书，还是要自己慢慢读？ * 故事、共鸣、经验，算不算知识？ 两个小环节： * AI 帮我省下一小时。 * 我用 AI 搞砸的一件事。 带着问题来就好。 不用先有答案。 ***嘉宾介绍*** Anna，深耕北美市场营销与中国科技，互联网产品出海，腾讯，IDG投资的企业级AI软件小鹅通elink加拿大负责人，专注企业增长与数字化转型。 * 主导多个品牌北美市场进入与增长项目，实现从0到规模化增长 * 推动小鹅通eLink在加拿大落地，赋能企业私域与数字化转型 * 深度连接中美加商业资源，搭建跨境合作与行业生态网络 Swan, 加拿大注册会计师（CPA），7年审计经验，横跨财务审计与运营审计。曾先后任职于加拿大知名会计师事务所、五大银行，及政府审计部门。拥有横跨三类组织的审计实务经历，擅长从财报中梳理逻辑、发现问题，并快速理解运营流程、防范风险。作为误闯创业群的一名风险“守门员”，习追问，习惯质疑，抽丝剥茧，追本溯源。也是夹缝中生存的打工人，探索如何用AI杠杆减轻负担、加速成长。 张英锋，QHOW Technology 创始人，科技教育与知识传播实践者，长期关注 AI 时代的学习方式与认知模型重构。曾获知乎“2014 年度新知答主”，在科学、数学、教育、历史等领域创作 160 多篇回答和文章，累计阅读超过 3700 万，拥有 26 万关注者。在本场圆桌中，他将从一个略带“反方”的角度讨论 AI 阅读：AI 总结带来的，究竟是真正的知识，还是一种“我已经懂了”的幻觉？他关注的问题是，当 AI 可以快速提炼一本书时，人如何避免停留在叙事共鸣中，而是真正把阅读转化为理解、输出与解决问题的能力。 ***About Startup4Chinese*** Started in August 2017, Startup4Chinese's mission is to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, and CONNECT entrepreneurial minds not only among Chinese but beyond. We want to inspire your passionate entrepreneurship spirit, empower your brilliant startup idea, and connect you with your future reliable partner. We value Openness. We provide Pragmatic topics. We want to help you succeed! ***关于OneHub*** OneHub商业咨询是一家领先的加拿大咨询公司，提供商业咨询和顾问服务，帮助中小企业增长和成功。该公司以其战略咨询方面的专业知识而闻名，包括商业计划、市场研究、财务建模和数字化转型。创始人Eddie Lee有30多年企业实务经验，他注意到创业者常常面临相同的问题。OneHub团队，就是要为为初创企业或中小型企业遇到的问题提供全面解决方案。 ***About OneHub*** OneHub Business Consulting is a leading Canadian consulting company that provides business consulting and advisory services to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow and succeed. The company is known for its expertise in strategic consulting, including business planning, market research, financial modeling, and digital transformation. Founder Eddie Lee has over 30 years of practical experience in the corporate world and noticed that entrepreneurs often face similar problems. The OneHub team aims to provide comprehensive solutions for the issues encountered by startups or small to medium-sized businesses.

**Mother’s Day Cacao Ceremony & Light Body Expansion Activation** *Life Force + Light Language Experience* **May 10** This Mother’s Day, step into a sacred space of deep nourishment, activation, and expansion. This immersive experience is guided through the principles of **Light Body Expansion**, working with **Life Force energy** and **Light Language** to awaken your energetic field, open your heart, and support profound inner alignment. We begin with a ceremonial cacao ritual—an ancient, heart-opening practice that gently softens the body and invites you into a state of presence and receptivity. From this grounded space, you’ll be guided through Life Force activations that help clear energetic blockages, restore flow, and awaken vitality within your system. As the journey deepens, Light Language transmissions move beyond the mind—working on a cellular and energetic level to activate remembrance, elevate your frequency, and expand your light body. This is a space to slow down… to receive… to reconnect. A space where healing happens naturally, and expansion unfolds with ease. Whether you are celebrating yourself, honoring your lineage, or connecting to the essence of the Divine Mother, this experience invites you into deeper love, clarity, and embodiment. Come as you are. Leave feeling open, activated, and aligned. [Book your spot here ](https://lightbodyexpansion.com/class/5)

Schedule: * Introductions and Disclaimers * Topic for the week * Sharing circle(s) * Wrap up Code of Conduct: 1. No bigotry of any kind (racism, sexism, ableism, etc.) 2. Treat others how you want to be treated 3. Prioritize listening, ask for permission before providing solutions to problems 4. Stressful topic may be convered, strive to maintain a positive mental attitude

**Title**: Amplifying Engineering Skills with Claude Code In this session we will dive into how Claude Code can augment modern engineering practices, from rapid prototyping and refactoring to test generation and documentation. We’ll cover real-world use cases, integration patterns, and tips for getting the most out of AI in your development lifecycle. 6-6:30p.m. - food & drinks 6:30-7:30p.m. - Presentation 7:30-8:00p.m. - Q&A and Possible concept presentation for feedback

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

If **CMMC** is on your radar (or keeping you up at night), this is the conversation you don’t want to miss! Join us on **Tuesday, May 12, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1YxovFyF9RzKCcq9EjAN8-wdwxz1 Join us for an “**Ask the CMMC Experts**” session with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg of Koniag Cyber.** These two seasoned leaders have been deep in the trenches of cybersecurity, compliance, and national security! **Brian** brings 20+ years of experience leading cybersecurity services across **highly regulated industries** and a unique perspective as a former **U.S. Secret Service Technical Security Division** professional who has helped secure some of the nation’s most sensitive environments. **Carter** pairs 30+ years spanning cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and cyber law with hands-on CMMC leadership as a **Lead Certified Asessor**. He’s conducted 35+ independent CMMC assessments, supported 30+ Authorizations to Operate for **DHS and DoD**, and helped shape national conversations through work with **NIST, MITRE, and federal agencies.** Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity on **May 12**, for this candid, practical conversation with **Brian Gallagher and Carter Schoenberg**, designed to help you move forward with confidence! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:15 Ask the CMMC Expert - **Brian Gallagher & Carter Schoenberg** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn