Critical Thinking

**We are migrating to LUMA, sign up here:** [https://luma.com/tu5s3mfh](https://luma.com/tu5s3mfh?utm_source=meetup-body) Hi Digital Nomads, **💫** Every week we meet with an international crowd and we’re back at our nomads cave, **Behind Bar**! Don’t worry about the summer heat, we’ve got the AC blasting inside! ❄️🌻 ​​ ​​ 📍🕗 Feel welcome @ **Behind Bar** \| Costa Rica 4933 \| **FRIDAY 13 FEB**: 8pm - 1am 🍺🍹 Happy Hour from 9 until 10pm & the best in house drinks ever - **please ask for your wristband & use the bar at the front!** 🎵🎤 DJ or music all night! **[⚡🎟️](https://luma.com/up2puot5?utm_source=meetup_body) *[RSVP now!](https://luma.com/up2puot5?utm_source=meetup_body)*** [https://luma.com/tu5s3mfh](https://luma.com/tu5s3mfh?utm_source=meetup-body) And as always... come as you are & enjoy the show! 💃🕺 Keep spreading the ‘For Nomads by Nomads’ love 💕 See you FRIDAY 13 FEB! Abrazo grande 🤗 **Team BA Digital Nomads** Agus & Darío *** ​​​*🍻👉 Tip: join our [WhatsApp groups](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IMFRaQQX2Hc5e1C5XnmYF1) and meet/inspire/share with thousands of other digital nomads.* PS: If you enjoy the BA Digital Nomads community, you can **support us by “buying us a coffee” at [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/badn](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/badn).** Your contribution helps us cover our Meetup and Luma subscriptions and keeps our events free and fun for everyone. Thanks for being part of this community! 🙏

Hay que confirmar asistencia via whatsapp. Vamos a encontrarnos a hablar e idear planes de ejecución para nuestros objetivos personales, espirituales, y profesionales.

Vengan con ganas de tomar buena cerveza.

please join our WhatsApp group to confirm cafe address and your assistance! https://tally.so/r/w4AO7X Join us for an afternoon of networking, collaboration, and inspiration at the BA Coworking Coffee Meetup. Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, startup founder, or any other creative professional, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and expand your professional and social network. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, bring your enthusiasm, and let's build a supportive community of creatives together. Venue details will be shared on our WhatsApp group, so make sure to RSVP and join us for a productive and enjoyable morning of coworking and entrepreneurship!

Join us at TEGOBA (The English Group of Buenos Aires) for an exciting evening of English conversation and cultural exchange! Whether you're a native English speaker or learning it as a second language, this event is perfect for making new international friends while enhancing your language skills. All are at a level that enables us to speak English fluently, which is a requirement to participate. Can you speak in English fluently? Watch this video to check your level for participating in our meetings. [https://youtu.be/dAmsEhnDWXM](https://youtu.be/dAmsEhnDWXM) Come prepared to discuss travel experiences, language learning tips, and anything else that sparks your interest. This meetup is not just about practicing English, but also about building connections with a diverse group of expats and locals in Buenos Aires. Let's enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're new to the city or a long-time resident, everyone is welcome to join us for a meeting of language exchange and international camaraderie at TEGOBA!

100s of people from around the 🌎 meet weekly to socialise, have a drink, and meet foreign/local people of all ages. It's chilled, fun and free. 🟢 The Flags Place flags on your chest from top to bottom according to fluency. We offer flags from 200+ places. 🟢 Stand to mingle, sit to dwindle! 🗣 Talk about anything you like. You don't have to be an advanced speaker - it's open to everyone! 🛎 Reception 9 - 10pm Not obligatory, but arrive at this time if you’re new or want those drinks specials. Connect with us 👉 http://x.MundoLingo.com

**IMPORTANTE**: El evento transcurre en el parque, que es grande; y si el clima lo requiere en algún café cercano. Por tal motivo se recomienda ingresar al grupo de **Whatsapp** para acceder a la ubicación exacta y actualizada: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H6As9I5lnQI7lzu3dTmGg2 🏛️ **¿DE QUÉ SE TRATA FILOSOFÍA PRÁCTICA?** Filosofía Práctica es un encuentro semanal para quienes disfrutan de conversaciones profundas, el pensamiento crítico, y la exploración de nuevas ideas. No necesitas conocimientos previos, solo curiosidad y ganas de compartir. Cada semana abordamos un tema distinto, practicando la comunicación y construyendo una comunidad de personas reflexivas. 📓 **¿CÓMO FUNCIONA?** * Compartimos el tema de la semana en nuestro grupo de WhatsApp con algunas preguntas guía. * Nos reunimos a las 14:00, comenzando con una charla informal antes de la discusión. * Conversamos en grupos pequeños para que todos puedan participar. * Al final, cada grupo comparte sus conclusiones y cerramos la sesión alrededor de las 16:00. 🧧 **¿CUÁNTO CUESTA?** ¡Es completamente gratis! Si nos reunimos en un café, solo pedimos que apoyes el lugar comprando una bebida. Algunas sedes alquilan un espacio y pueden solicitar donaciones voluntarias, pero no es obligatorio. 💛 **LO QUE DICEN** 🗣 “Siento que Filosofía Práctica te ayuda a construir tu propio sistema de creencias a través de diversas perspectivas, sin imponer lo que está bien o mal.” – Ekam 🗣 “Desde la primera vez que asistí (el tema era autoridad), supe que este era mi lugar. Me encanta cómo nos desafía a cuestionar diferentes puntos de vista, fomentando la apertura y la flexibilidad mental.” – Daniel 🗣 “Siempre quise tener este tipo de conversaciones, pero nunca encontré el espacio adecuado… hasta ahora. La gente, los temas, los debates abiertos… todo hace que sienta que pertenezco aquí.” – Sofía 🤓 **PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES** 📌 **¿Debo estudiar antes de asistir?** – No es necesario. Nos interesa saber *qué piensas tú*, no solo lo que dijeron los filósofos clásicos. Si quieres compartir ideas de alguna corriente de pensamiento, ¡adelante!, pero no es un requisito. 📌 **¿Se habla español?** – ¡Sí! Organizamos los grupos según el idioma para que todos se sientan cómodos participando. 📌 **¿Puedo ir solo/a?** – ¡Por supuesto! Muchos asistentes llegan solos y terminan haciendo grandes conexiones. 📌 **¿Dónde se reúnen?** – Compartimos la ubicación en WhatsApp y Meetup. Recomendamos unirte al grupo de WhatsApp para estar al día. ✨ **Desde 2021, Filosofía Práctica ha crecido a más de 15 capítulos en todo el mundo. ¡Únete a la comunidad!** **EL GRUPO DE WHATSAPP ES EN INGLES, CUALQUIER DUDA CONSULTE POR EL ORGANIZADOR AL INGRESAR.** 📲 [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JXuUvIkBR8VKyanyUgFKWa) \| 📷 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) \| 🌍 [Website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/)

🌿 Caminata Terapéutica Consciente 📅 Fecha: 14 de febrero 🕘 Horario: 9:00 hs Te invitamos a participar de una Caminata Terapéutica Consciente, un espacio para pausar, respirar y reconectar con vos y con la naturaleza. Una experiencia de caminata suave y consciente, pensada para bajar el ritmo, habitar el presente y abrir un espacio de bienestar integral. 🌱 No es solo caminar, es sembrar pasos conscientes y cosechar vida. ​🎒 Tu Kit de Bienestar: ¿Qué traer a la caminata? ​Para que puedas disfrutar plenamente de la experiencia y conectar sin preocupaciones, te sugerimos preparar tu mochila con lo siguiente: ​Indispensables ​Calzado cómodo: Zapatillas con suela (que no resbalen) y que ya hayas usado antes para evitar molestias. ​Hidratación: Una botella de agua (mínimo 1 litro) para mantener el cuerpo hidratado durante el movimiento. ​Protección solar: Gorra o sombrero, y protector solar, incluso si el día parece nublado. ​Para tu comodidad ​Ropa en capas: Usá prendas cómodas que te permitan moverte libremente. Sugerimos el "sistema cebolla" (una remera liviana y un abrigo que puedas quitarte si entrás en calor). ​Manta pequeña o lona ( opcional): Para los momentos de meditación estática y reflexión grupal, para que puedas sentarte en el suelo con comodidad. ​Repelente de insectos: Para evitar distracciones durante los momentos de silencio. ​Sugerencia Terapéutica ​Tu celular en "Modo Avión": Te invitamos a que este tiempo sea solo para vos. Si podés, evitá usar el teléfono para que la desconexión sea real. ​Un cuaderno y lapicera (opcional): A veces, después de la reflexión, surgen ideas o sensaciones que está bueno dejar por escrito. ​💡 Un consejo de tus Coordinadores: ​Trata de desayunar algo liviano pero nutritivo al menos una hora antes del encuentro. Prepará tus cosas la noche anterior para que hoy salgas de tu casa con calma, ya que tu caminata terapéutica empieza desde el momento en que decidís venir.

🇪🇸Español Abajo 👇 **☕️ Coffee Talk: Where Conversations Are Stronger Than the Coffee ☕️** Had enough of awkward small talk and silent social gatherings? This is your chance to break free. Join us for a night of meaningful conversations about life, dreams, existential crises, and why we keep procrastinating our goals. **🔹 What to expect?** ✔️ Thought-provoking questions (but not too deep, we promise). ✔️ Interesting people with zero interest in discussing traffic. ✔️ Interactive dynamics that push you out of your comfort zone—without feeling like a job interview. If you're ready for an evening of deep conversations, great coffee, and a dash of sarcastic humor, save your spot before you regret it (again). 📍 **Where?** Diletto – Perón 4217 (because coffee without great conversations is just wasted caffeine). 💰 **How much?** $5,000 ARS / $5 USD (yes, genuine connections have a price, but they’re worth every cent). **FOLLOW US** **INSTAGRAM: @CULTURE.SHOCKTHERAPY** [https://www.instagram.com/culture.shocktherapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] *** **☕️Coffee Talk: Donde las Conversaciones Son Más Fuertes que el Café☕️** Si ya tuviste suficiente de las mismas charlas de ascensor y los silencios incómodos en reuniones sociales, este es tu evento. Aquí venimos a hablar de todo lo que realmente importa: la vida, los sueños, las crisis existenciales y por qué seguimos procrastinando nuestras metas. **🔹 ¿Qué puedes esperar?** ✔️ Preguntas que te harán pensar (pero no demasiado, prometemos). ✔️ Gente interesante con cero ganas de hablar del tráfico. ✔️ Dinámicas interactivas que te sacarán de tu zona de confort sin hacerte sentir en una entrevista de trabajo. Si estás listo para una tarde de conversaciones profundas con café en mano y un toque de humor sarcástico, reserva tu lugar antes de que te arrepientas (otra vez). 📍 **¿Dónde?** Diletto – Perón 4217 (porque el café sin buenas conversaciones es solo cafeína desperdiciada). 💰 **¿Cuánto?** $5.000 ARS / $5 USD (sí, las conexiones genuinas tienen su precio, pero valen cada centavo). **FOLLOW US** **INSTAGRAM: @CULTURE.SHOCKTHERAPY** [https://www.instagram.com/culture.shocktherapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

English Below👇 ### 💘 **Speed Dating – Culture Shock Therapy** **Real conversations · Real connections** En este **Speed Dating de Culture Shock Therapy**, Creamos una experiencia guiada, dinámica y divertida para que puedas **conocer personas reales, dar una buena impresión y ver si hay match** 💬 **¿Cómo es la dinámica?** * Conversaciones de **5 a 10 minutos** para conocerse * Tarjetas con **preguntas**, **desafíos** y **acciones secretas** * Todo pensado para romper el hielo, integrarse y conectar de verdad ✨ Nada forzado, nada raro. Solo interacción real, con juego y curiosidad. 🕙 **Horario:** 14:00 a 16:00 🎯 **Edad:** 25 a 35 años 📍 **Ubicación:** Diletto’s Pastas **Perón 4217** – Almagro 🌿 **Zona al aire libre dentro del lugar** 📋 **Importante:** Dejamos un **formulario** para que puedas confirmar tu lugar, organizar los cupos y **no perder tu plaza**. Los cupos son limitados Si buscás algo distinto a las apps, más humano y mejor organizado… **este encuentro es para vos.** 👉[https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8](https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8) ⏰ **Puntualidad importante** Para que la dinámica funcione correctamente, es necesario llegar puntual. Hay una tolerancia máxima de 15 minutos. Pasado ese tiempo no podremos integrar a nuevas personas a la rotación. 📋 **Cupos y registro** **Los cupos** se confirman únicamente a través del formulario El evento está publicado en **múltiples plataformas**, por lo que no te guíes por la cantidad de personas anotadas aquí. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💘 Speed Dating – Culture Shock Therapy** **Real conversations · Real connections** At this **Culture Shock Therapy Speed Dating**, we’ve created a guided, dynamic, and fun experience so you can meet real people, make a great impression, and see if there’s a match. **💬 How does the dynamic work?** * 5 to 10-minute conversations to get to know each other * Cards with questions, challenges, and secret actions * Everything is designed to break the ice, integrate naturally, and truly connect ✨ Nothing forced, nothing weird. Just real interaction, playfulness, and curiosity. 🕙 Time: 14:00 AM – 16:00 PM 🎯 Age range: 25–40 📍 Location: Diletto’s Pastas – Perón 4217 🌿 Outdoor area inside the venue **📋 Important:** Please complete the registration form to confirm your spot and avoid losing your place. Spots are limited If you’re looking for something different from dating apps more human and better organized **this experience is for you.** 👉 [https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8](https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8) **⏰ Punctuality matters** To ensure the experience runs smoothly, please arrive on time. There is a maximum tolerance of 15 minutes. After that, we won’t be able to integrate new participants into the rotation. **📋 Spots & registration** Spots are confirmed only through the registration form. The event is published on multiple platforms, so please don’t rely on the number of attendees shown here.

👉🏼**Ampliá tu círculo social y conectá con personas fuera de tu entorno habitual**. Te invitamos a un evento único donde podrás relajarte, disfrutar de una cerveza 🍻, y compartir experiencias en un ambiente cálido y distendido. Si aún no te animaste a participar, ¡es el momento! Este encuentro está diseñado para conocer gente nueva, generar contactos valiosos y pasarla bien. 🔥Sabemos que el primer paso puede ser difícil, pero ya hemos organizado más de **150 eventos**, y siempre recibimos tanto a participantes nuevos como a aquellos que vuelven una y otra vez. El ambiente es abierto, ameno y perfecto para hacerte sentir parte de nuestra comunidad desde el primer momento. Si eres nuevo en la ciudad, quieres sociabilizar, conocer y conectar con gente interesante, te animo a unirte y formar parte de nuestra comunidad. 👉🏼 **El evento es GRATUITO**. El CONSUMO es OBLIGATORIO. 🕒 **Edades habituales**: entre 30 y 60 años. ¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de expandir tus horizontes! ¡Te esperamos!

Saldremos a navegar en mi velero desde mariana Puerto Norte (ubicada en Palermo, frente a aeroparque Jorge Newbery) Av. Rafael Obligado 4899. IG: velebaires https://youtu.be/S5EjxJGS15Q El precio por persona es de $20.000. Soy instructor de náutica, si quieren les puedo enseñar a navegar. Realice el curso de Piloto de yate (habilitación que permite cruzar Oceanos) * No necesitas tener experiencia. * En caso de lluvia, se suspende. * Trae ropa cómoda, nada en especial. * Sugerimos llegar 10 minutos antes de la salida. * Cupos disponibles por orden de llegada. * No incluye comida ni bebidas. Puedes traer lo que quieras (no están permitidas las bebidas alcohólicas) * La serie de mi velero tomó fama por su seguridad y fortaleza, ya que cruzó el Océano Atlántico y navegó de Ushuaia al Polo Norte ida y vuelta. Nos reunimos en la entrada del Puerto.

English Below👇 ### 💘 **Speed Dating – Culture Shock Therapy** **Real conversations · Real connections** En este **Speed Dating de Culture Shock Therapy** Creamos una experiencia guiada, dinámica y divertida para que puedas **conocer personas reales, dar una buena impresión y ver si hay match** 💬 **¿Cómo es la dinámica?** * Conversaciones de **5 a 10 minutos** para conocerse * Tarjetas con **preguntas**, **desafíos** y **acciones secretas** * Todo pensado para romper el hielo, integrarse y conectar de verdad ✨ Nada forzado, nada raro. Solo interacción real, con juego y curiosidad 🕙 **Horario:** 10:00 a 12:00 🎯 **Edad :** 35 a 50 años 📍 **Lugar:** Diletto – Peron 4217 🌿 **Zona al aire libre dentro del espacio** 📋 **Importante:** Dejamos un **formulario** para que puedas confirmar tu lugar, y **no perder tu plaza**. Los cupos son limitados Si buscás algo distinto a las apps, más humano y mejor organizado… **este encuentro es para vos.** 👉[https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8](https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8) ⏰ **Puntualidad importante** Para que la dinámica funcione correctamente, es necesario llegar puntual Hay una **tolerancia máxima de 15 minutos**. Pasado ese tiempo no podremos integrar a nuevas personas a la rotación 📋 **Cupos y registro** Los cupos se confirman **únicamente a través del formulario** El evento está publicado en múltiples plataformas, por lo que **no te guíes por la cantidad de personas anotadas aquí.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 💘 **Speed Dating – Culture Shock Therapy** **Real conversations · Real connections** At this **Culture Shock Therapy Speed Dating**, we’ve created a guided, dynamic, and fun experience so you can **meet real people, make a great impression, and see if there’s a match**. 💬 **How does the dynamic work?** * **5 to 10-minute conversations** to get to know each other * Cards with **questions, challenges, and secret actions** * Everything is designed to break the ice, integrate naturally, and truly connect ✨ Nothing forced, nothing weird. Just real interaction, playfulness, and curiosity. 🕙 **Time:** 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 🎯 **Age range:** 35–50 📍 **Location:** Diletto’s Pastas – **Perón 4217** 🌿 **Outdoor area inside the venue** 📋 **Important:** Please complete the **registration form** to confirm your spot and avoid losing your place. Spots are limited If you’re looking for something different from dating apps more human and better organized **this experience is for you.** 👉 [https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8](https://forms.gle/nqsTYdsbF7eBSdtZ8) ⏰ **Punctuality matters** To ensure the experience runs smoothly, **please arrive on time**. There is a **maximum tolerance of 15 minutes**. After that, we won’t be able to integrate new participants into the rotation. 📋 **Spots & registration** Spots are confirmed **only through the registration form**. The event is published on multiple platforms, so **please don’t rely on the number of attendees shown here**.

It's February, which means it's time for our most popular topic--sex and relationships. Please listen to the podcast below (from 6:33 - 30:28)! We'll also read some relationship conflict scenarios from advice columns, and talk about our opinions/thoughts/guidance (no advance reading required). As usual, we'll socialize for about an hour before the discussion starts at 8:30pm. I encourage everyone to bring something yummy (or Valentine's themed) to share! *Note: If anyone acts creepy, I will not hesitate to ask them to leave*. **Discussion Ideas**: * Relationships and identity. Do relationship change who we are? * In relationships, to what extend to we extend our identity or embrace a new identity? How much do we open ourselves up to being a different person when we meet someone else? * Are the things that draw us to someone, also the things that repel us later? * Do we want change, but are also afraid of change? * What is more important for a successful relationship, a willingness to change or a sense of our own identity? * Do relationships have an arc? If so, what is yours * Cornerstone vs. captsone relationships. * How can relationships make room for both people to change, and the relationship dynamic to change? * Chioce paradox in relationship options. * How do our stories about our past, present and future affect our relationships? * How do our implicit memories influence our narratives, in relationship conflict? * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajneRM-ET1Q&t=393s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajneRM-ET1Q&t=393s) **(from 6:33 - 30:28)**

This is the first of several meetings on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read the first three chapters (pages 1-129 in the paperback). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I hope to see you there! Fred

Sunday service at Unity of Fairfax will leave you feeling inspired, blessed and empowered to experience the fullness of life. **On a Spiritual Journey** Our community is made up of people, like yourself, who have been led to Unity by Spirit. We are all here because we’re on a spiritual journey to become all that we were created to be. **Welcome to Everyone** Unity welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. We welcome people of all creeds, sexual orientation and social background. There are no exceptions in our welcome to everyone. **We Offer Tools** In Unity we don't tell people what to think; rather, we offer tools that individuals can use to create lives of meaning and purpose. **What We Believe** To review what we believe, go here: https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Hidden Cleopatra,”** an excavation through myth and slander to uncover the real Egyptian queen, with Jacquelyn Williamson, an Egyptologist and associate professor of archaeology and ancient art at George Mason University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra) .] Depictions of Cleopatra are abundant in popular culture. A long list of painters have depicted her, Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have posed as her, and Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor famously portrayed her in Hollywood films. At the end of the day, however, what most of us think we know about Cleopatra is wrong, the product of the ancient Rome’s “fake news” and anti-Egypt propaganda. Learn about the real Cleopatra—and how our understanding of her came to be so distorted—with Professor Jacquelyn Williamson, scholar of women and power in ancient Egypt, teacher of courses on ancient Egyptian art and archaeology, and author of *Nefertiti’s Sun Temple: A New Cult Complex at Tell el-Amarna.* Dr. Williamson will walk us through how the first Roman emperor, Octavian, created the distorted image of Cleopatra as seductress that we know today as part of his political scheming to defeat his rival Antony and end the Roman Republic once and for all. Cleopatra has been the subject of debate and controversy ever since. William Shakespeare later relied on ancient Roman sources such as Horace and Plutarch in writing *Antony and Cleopatra*, and his play helped give rise to countless other works offering a distorted picture of her. Professor Williamson argues that “Cleopatra was a human being, like you and I,” and “deserves the dignity of being represented as accurately as possible.” Her efforts to set the record straight have met frustration, however—after being extensively interviewed for the recent Netflix historical docuseries Queen Cleopatra, she concluded that it, too, had missed the mark. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of researching and accurately depicting the ancient past from Dr. Williamson, who also has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California at Berkeley and is involved with an ongoing archaeological investigation of Queen Nefertiti’s sun temple. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Layla Taj portrays Cleopatra VII as part of an Egyptian Cultural Performing Arts Society production. (Photo by Amos Gvili / Wikimedia Commons.)

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put your hold on this book NOW if you get your books from a public library. It's still in demand. It was a finalist for the National Book Critics Award for Fiction in 2023. The novel tells the story of a single house in New England over centuries. While on its face, it is a work of historical fiction, [Kirkus Reviews](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-mason/north-woods-mason/) calls it "magical." We will meet in the common area of a condominium association that is called The Gallery at White Flint. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the main entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's unit. Look for a message a week before the date of discussion for more details on how to find us. There is metered parking across the street. Because February 16 is a national holiday, you don't have to feed the meter.

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

**\* This is an in-person event** At the beginning of the year, most of us reflect on what we want to achieve and do in the coming months. However, if we only think about what we want to add, without reflecting on what we are already doing and what we might have to let go, we end up with an unrealistic plan that will leave us overwhelmed in March and abandoning change in May. In this reflective and interactive session we will create a plan that includes starting, prioritizing and letting go of activities to achieve the goals we strive for. You will leave the session with clear next steps to avoid the scarcity trap (not investing enough in promising ideas) as well as the rigidity trap (holding on to things because we know how to do them). In addition to these concrete plans, you will learn a set of planning facilitation tools that you can apply in group and individual settings, including Impromptu Networking, Ecocycle Planning, Troika Consulting and 15% Solutions. **Agenda** 6:30pm Welcome [Impromptu Networking](https://www.liberatingstructures.com/2-impromptu-networking/) (adapted Fast or Slow): 6:50pm Individual [Ecocycle Planning](https://www.liberatingstructures.com/31-ecocycle-planning/) 7:10pm [Troika Consulting](https://www.liberatingstructures.com/8-troika-consulting/) Peer Assist 7:40pm Shareout 8:00pm [Liberating Structures](https://www.liberatingstructures.com/matching-matrix/) intro 8:10pm [15% Solutions](https://www.liberatingstructures.com/7-15-solutions/) 8:30pm Closing **About our presenter** With over 20 years of professional experience as a facilitator, trainer, coach, poet and organizational change facilitator in the public and private sector, [Eva Schiffer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-schiffer-675b058/) focuses on bringing people together to make progress on their most vexing challenges. She enjoys creating processes that allow for the unexpected to emerge, holding space for difficult conversations and inviting the whole person (mind, heart and body) into the room. Her career in international development has honed her skills in intercultural facilitation, and she passionately strives to create facilitated spaces that work for people from different contexts and with different needs.