Critical Thinking

**Tuesday Evening Taught Life Classes** Book a place here **[http://dublinlifedrawing.com/taughtclass](http://dublinlifedrawing.com/taughtclass)** Drawing from the figure has been part of an artist's basic training since ancient times, and for good reason. Drawing from observation teaches you how co-ordinate the eye and hand, and working from the nude model is the most rewarding kind of drawing. A set of taught classes will explain fundamental aspects of drawing the figure, and give tips and show tricks of exploring the materials, methods and approaches to rendering the figure on paper. This class is suitable for everyone- from beginners just starting off on their drawing journey, to more experienced people who want to build up their skills set. Basic techniques are outlined in every class, and then more complex exercises are explored. Drawing exercises take place in an easy, informal setting. Measuring, sighting, and understanding negative space and shading are explored as well as basic anatomy and proportion. Some easels and drawing boards are provided. Basic drawing materials and paper are included in the price (but feel free to bring your own). [-Book Here](http://dublinlifedrawing.com/short-course) Small class sizes with tuition and instruction will help with developing your own drawing methods and style. The teaching exercises are based on fine art practice but will be of great interest to illustrators, designers, and animators. [for more details click here.](http://dublinlifedrawing.com/taughtclass) *Long Story Short:* Life Drawing from the Nude Figure, **Tuesday evenings** 6.30-9PM(ish) 27 Pearse Street Dublin 2 Single Class Price is 40€ **including paper and materials;** Set of Three Classes 99€ Set of Six Classes 190€ Note:You don't have to use Paypal to book - there are cheaper alternatives here: **[http://dublinlifedrawing.com/taughtclass](http://dublinlifedrawing.com/taughtclass)** If you need more information email dublindrawing@gmail.com

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to a new season of Socrates Cafe. We are going to weave together a triad of topics over these next three months that offer a story of life. For this first month we are going to look at the matter of ‘soul’ and discuss if there is an immaterial aspect of being human. Then in February we will move on from the nature of being human to discuss the presence of evil and what might be wrong with us and with our world. Finally, the third event in March will be a conversation on hope. Is there any way out of this mess in which we find ourselves? Each will be separate enough to discuss alone, but attending the series as a whole will add depth to each one. So to start off we are going to have a conversation about the soul. What makes us, us, as human beings? What makes me, me, as an individual? What are we made of? Are we more than animated matter? Is there an immaterial aspect to our nature that might survive the death of our bodies? When might a soul come into existence if there is one? You are invited to come along for this facilitated conversation this upcoming Tuesday evening at Third Space Smithfield. **NOTE: we ask for a 3 Euro donation** to cover costs payable on the night by coin or Revolut. Socrates Cafe: a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish.

You'll meet your local guide at the meeting point a little before 11AM and show your booking. Then we'll commence a fascinating walking tour through the streets, sights, and sounds of Dublin old and new. You'll get an unrivalled insight to the history and culture that has shaped the capital you see today - warts and all, discover the lesser-known, intriguing oddities of our city, and get unique insider tips for the rest of your stay. Sites and topics covered include: Dublin Castle, Christchurch, Viking & Medieval Dublin, Temple Bar, fables, folklore and mythology, Trinity College, Stephen's Green, risings and rebellions, writers & rogues and so, so much more... please remember, places are limited and you must book your spot via: https://www.generationtours.com/dublin See you soon!

**Welcome to DSF Sandbox Sessions!** Top tech talks and masterclasses from the best in the industry. Every month, and completely free. The catch? There isn’t one. Just a monthly dose of epic content to power up your data passion! **Event details** 📆 **Date:** Tuesday 13th January 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 2:00 – 4:00 PM GMT / 09:00 – 11:00 AM EST. 💡 **Topic:** Optimizing EV Charging Stations: A Live Code-Along in Zerve 🗣️ **Speakers:** Greg Michaelson and Jason Hillary Join Greg Michaelson and Jason Hillary for a fully interactive, hands-on code-along where you’ll build an end-to-end optimization project from scratch using Zerve’s new notebook view. You’ll write code with us step by step, ask questions as you go, and learn how to model a synthetic city, generate EV charging demand, define an optimization objective, and use heuristic search to place charging stations efficiently. This session is designed for active participation: follow along, experiment, and get real-time guidance from two experienced PhD data scientists. Everyone who attends gets **free Zerve credits** so you can continue exploring and applying these techniques long after the workshop. **Key takeaways from attending this event:** * How to translate a real-world planning problem into an optimization objective (for example, constructing a weighted distance function and defining constraints like service radius.) * How to implement and iterate on heuristic optimization methods (such as k-medoids–style search) to improve facility placement without relying on packaged solvers. * How to build and visualize an end-to-end optimization workflow in Zerve, including generating synthetic spatial data, evaluating solutions, and comparing baseline vs optimized layouts. Please sign up for Zerve at **[https://www.zerve.ai/?utm_source=dsf-jan26](https://www.zerve.ai/?utm_source=dsf-jan26)** as this is the platform we’ll be using during the code-along. We’ll provide you with additional free credits at the session. Get ready to have some fun! **Registering for the event:** Click the 'Sign up here!' button on the specific event page following the link below. Once you have completed the registration form, you will be emailed a link to join the webinar. You will also receive a reminder link one week, one day and one hour prior to the event. **PLEASE NOTE: Clicking 'attend' on Meetup does not register you for the event. You will need to register for the event on the link provided below to receive a joining link. If you do not, you will not be able to join the event.** **[Click here to sign up for this specific event](https://datasciencefestival.com/session/optimizing-ev-charging-stations-a-live-code-along-in-zerve/)** Please note the time zone when you book this event.

Join us for some casual games @ Corrigans. All levels welcome!

Hello there! Learn to Meditate in 2026 - Free 10 Week Sahaja Yoga Meditation Course starting January 13th 2026 - hosted by Jayant, Seamus and friends every Tuesday - All Welcome - Join any Week - The address: Fringe Lab, Sycamore Building, Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, DO2 TD81 - on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm With Sahaja Yoga Meditation, we usually sit on chairs to achieve yoga effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats or special clothing. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy is hiding in plain sight within us, and it's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically, and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple, time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise it isn't your typical Meditation. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral, and you can never have too much of it. All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend. ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm To Join Zoom Meeting, please click the below link (Recurring meeting) http://online.freemeditation.ie/ Sahaj Yoga Ireland 🤗🙏😇 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeditationOnlineIreland Facebook Group: "Meditation Online Ireland" for about 30 minutes On this group, you can scroll through past guided meditations and watch any one of the hundred or so meditations there, and you can watch them anytime, day or night. Also available: https://wemeditate.com/ Our website: www.freemeditation.ie For classes in London visit: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk

This Meetup was created as a sacred place for those who feel called to explore consciousness, spirituality, personal growth, and the deeper aspects of who we are. We come together every two weeks not for casual socializing, but to connect with depth, presence, and authenticity. Everyone’s perspective is welcome here without judgement. My intention for this gathering is to be conscious and deliberate—like a living container that supports us all in being seen, heard, and understood. This space may not be for everyone—and that’s okay. If you’re looking for light social banter or casual networking, this group may not resonate with you. But if you feel called to walk into a space where people speak from the heart, share with honesty, and lean into spiritual exploration with wonder and sovereignty—then you’re in the right place. We don’t always know where the conversation will flow—but we trust the current. And every time, it brings us to understanding each other from a deeper level. If this resonates then I look forward to sharing this space with you. ***All are welcome and facilities are wheelchair friendly

The classical schools of philosophy consider that the human being is a mystery – in Egypt they call the mysteries related to the human being the small mysteries and to the universe, the great mysteries. What are we, in the deepest part of ourselves? What is in each of us that differentiates us from each other? The classical schools agreed that our essence is perhaps a mystery, and they also agreed that the human being can improve. We are not a finished product and we have not reached the end of our evolution What is our purpose or our direction in life? What are the real intentions that drive us and our actions and choices? Both Eastern and Western philosophies offer reflections and the vision of the human being in the spirit of becoming. Finding the driving force in us that not only connects us with our own spirit of overcoming, but also connects us with others. *There will be a break with tea, coffee and cakes.*

**Registration/booking on our system at least 24 hours before class is necessary. We do not take walk ins/your rsvp on meetup is not a booking.** BOOK [HERE](themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee) From beginner to winner! We have a special weekly 2 hour class that is more like a weekly workshop. It's a very social class, with amazing coffee, great coaching, and smiles and good work being done. Fancy trying something new? Spending time safely outside your comfort zone? Please visit themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee to book your spot Registration/booking is necessary. We do not take walk ins.

A New Year, A New Voice: Dublin Debaters Returns! We are thrilled to announce that **Dublin Debaters** is officially back for its first session of the year on **Wednesday, 14th January**. ### Why Join Us? Dublin Debaters isn't just a club; it’s a community dedicated to the art of communication. Whether you are a seasoned orator or someone who feels a wave of nerves at the mere thought of a microphone, our doors are open. We focus on three core pillars: **Public Speaking:** Learn to command a room, manage anxiety, and deliver your message with poise and impact. **Critical Thinking:** In an era of information overload, we help you strip away the noise, analyze arguments objectively, and see multiple sides of every issue. **Debating Skills:** Master the ability to construct persuasive arguments and think on your feet during high-pressure exchanges. ### Embrace the "New Year, New You" The start of a new year is the perfect catalyst for stepping out of your comfort zone. True self-improvement comes from challenging your perspectives and honing the skills that will serve you in your career, your education, and your personal life. Join us on the **14th of January** to kickstart your journey toward becoming a more confident, analytical, and articulate version of yourself. No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a desire to grow. Attendance is €3 payable on the night

• What we'll do About us: The Tibetan Dharma and Meditation Group is part of a Buddhist organisation based in Taiwan, which is centred on one of the greatest living rinpoches (teachers) in the world at the moment. It aims to introduce people living in Ireland to Buddhist teachings and practices that have been passed to Rinpoche through his masters and their masters going back many, many generations in order to benefit and bring peace to all sentient beings. Location: We hold our meetings in the small hall at Sandyford Community Centre, Lambs Cross, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

oin us for two talks and a Cafe Style dialogue. **Talk “Others: Independence & Solidarity”** Philosophy suggests to ask ourselves what do we really, truly want? Do we consider the others around us, who form part of our life? Freedom and independence, according to both eastern and western tradition, resides in the heart, which also seeks connection with others and the world. **Talk “The World: The purpose of Life”** Where is Life going, in which direction? Ancient philosophies suggest that there exists a sense of direction, meaning and purpose in each human being. It not only exists in the human being but in everything that exists in the universe. They suggest life moves forward and upward and to move as part of life we need to become more conscious of our actions and steps we take to participate in the movement of life. After the talks, we will have discussions around round tables, based on the talks and conclude with the reflections from each group. *There will be a break with tea, coffee and cakes.*

Let's improve our self-awareness, by getting into the habit of writing our thoughts and emotions. & Let's enhance our curiosity and compassion in others, by giving others and ourselves an insight into the unknown lives of strangers. Join us for our 1.5 hours writing event. We will have some exercises prepared that give us the opportunity to write and share about our thoughts/emotions/experiences and use a variety of prompts. HOMEWORK: Before the event we ask participants to reflect and write +/- 10 minutes about a time they lost someone or something they cared for. Participants can choose which parts of their writing they feel comfortable sharing. **FEE:** €5 to support the group. Please pay the organiser at the event. We accept cash/revolut/paypal. **NOTE 1:** No writing experience is required to attend this event. Only a curiosity in ourselves and others. **NOTE 2:** Please provide your own notebook/paper and pen.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

**\*This is an in-person event\*** Most people hold their ideas too tightly. They refine too early, hesitate to share half-formed concepts, and wait for “perfect” before putting anything in front of a user. Frankie Abralind works the opposite way and that mindset is a big part of why his projects succeed. In this session, Frankie walks you through his real creative process: messy drafts, discarded versions, surprising user reactions, and the moments when he threw out something he loved because the evidence pushed him in a new direction. You’ll see firsthand how treating ideas as *disposable, not precious* accelerates learning and leads to better outcomes. You’ll also get to examine real artifacts from the development of his games **BrainSpin**, **DIEKY**, and **eckso**. Explore prototypes, dive into design dilemmas, and hear candid stories of iteration, failure, and breakthrough that have earned former DT:DC director Frankie Abralind a reputation as an “entrepreneur who ships.” **What you'll learn** • What you need to test an idea quickly • Where to find real users (beyond friends and family) • How to ask non-leading, non-biasing questions • User-testing methods that uncover meaningful insights • Best practices for rapid iteration • How to log feedback, share modifications, and track updates • How to receive feedback with openness and use it productively • How to build, and reward, a network of testers and supporters **Agenda** **6:00pm** – Snacks & connection **6:30pm** – Case Study 1: *BrainSpin* — finding user testers **6:50pm** – Case Study 2: *DIEKY* — play tester appreciation **7:10pm** – Case Study 3: *eckso* — rapid prototyping **7:30pm** – *Zenmo* — live user testing **8:00pm** – Debrief & questions **8:30pm** – Adjourn **About our presenter** **Frankie Abralind** is an experience designer, artist, and neurodiversity advocate. He earned his MBA from the University of Maryland, where he has taught “Innovative Thinking” to graduate students since 2014. He also served as co-director of the Innovation Hub at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital. In 2018, Frankie co-founded **The Good Listening Project**, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening psychological safety in healthcare. He is the inventor of the bestselling game **BrainSpin**, which showcases the power of divergent thinking and collaboration. Today, he leads the stealth startup **Zenmo**, which helps people connect through color. He’s Autistic (and proud!)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

# **Positive Thinking - Make Your Mind Your Best Friend** Life will never be without its challenges. Knowing how to create a positive attitude can change a problem into an opportunity. By understanding and harnessing thought energy, you can improve the quality of your life and inspire others. **The workshop will cover:** * How your mind really works; * Understanding influences and the power of choice; * Developing positive self-awareness; and * Exploring the spiritual principles that sustain positive living. Fri., Jan. 23rd, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/8kGW2](https://shorturl.at/8kGW2)

**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?** Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect: * We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck. * This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity! * Snacks :) * BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level. * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396) * Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)