Critical Thinking

**Focused Práctica for all levels –** *Included in the new [Tango Learning Pass](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tango-learning-pass/), the 4-block of the [Tango Basics Course](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangobasics/), and the semester/yearly subscription to the [Tango Immersion Program.](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion/) Attending just the Práctica? Get advantage of the 5-block (€60) and the 10-block (€100). Single Práctica sessions are €15.* Looking for a space to practice Tango Argentino with intention? The Focused Prácticas are open practice gatherings for dancers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out, deepening your foundations, or refining more advanced skills. **You’re welcome to:** Train individual technique or work in pairs Practice the role(s) of your choice – Most regular attendants practice both Explore what you want for as long as you like Repeat, research, and integrate what you’re currently learning wherever that may be **This is not a class, and not a milonga.** **It’s a space for mindful practice, curiosity, and experimentation.** There's plenty of room for those who want to practice navigation in ronda or something else on a fixed spot without disturbing each other's process. It's not required to attend my classes to join, the Focused Prácticas are open to all backgrounds. **Here you can expect:** A welcoming, respectful atmosphere Space to focus without pressure Supportive presence if questions arise Freedom to choose what you want to work on Socializing and exchanging feedback with others is welcome; consent and respecting each person’s process is the base. When I'm traveling, the Focused Prácticas are hosted by Justina. **When & Where?** Sundays at 20:00, after the Tango Basics class\* EWTO Akademie – Breitenseer Straße 6, 1140 Wien \*Except during our [Tango Immersion Weekends](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion), in which the Práctica takes place on Saturdays at 20:15 at a different location. Check our calendar for details. **Whether you’re building foundations, maintaining a regular practice habit, or simply looking for a place to dance with intention, you’re warmly invited.** Come as you are. Practice what matters to you. Grow together with intention. See you on the dance floor! Abrazo, Jessica **Check out our full calendar at jessicagerdel.com** **Facebook/Instagram: Abrazatango**

Donauinsel Improv Training mit Picknick Lerne spielerisch Improtheater-Techniken und unterschiedliche Formate kennen! Dabei trainierst du deine Kreativität und Spontaneität und arbeitest an deinem Selbstbewusstsein. You will need B1-level German skills to participate. English translation below. Man benötigt Deutschkenntnisse auf B1-Niveau, um teilzunehmen. Hier findest du uns: https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003 Koordinaten vom Treffpunkt --> Ihr könnt gerne Essen und Snacks für das Picknick mitbringen. Am besten etwas was man gut mit der Gruppe teilen kann. **Was dich erwartet** • Lustige Gruppenspiele • Kreative Theater-Übungen • Kurze Improv Szenen, nur 5 bis 8 Minuten • Gemeinsam Geschichten erfinden • Viel Lachen, Sonne und Spaß **Impro: Was bringt’s dir persönlich?** • Spontanität • Selbstvertrauen • Kreativität • Fehler annehmen lernen • Schauspiel trainieren • Teamwork **Safe Space** Ein sicherer Raum ohne Leistungsdruck, in dem gegenseitige Wertschätzung an erster Stelle steht. Ihr seid zu keiner Zeit verpflichtet mitzumachen und könnt jederzeit aus Szenen aussteigen oder auch für einzelne Übungen aussetzen. **Leitung** Ich leite seit drei Jahren Impro-Trainings, organisiere Wettbewerbe und Shows und gehe auch selbst regelmäßig zu Fortbildungen. Ich habe über 80 Trainings geleitet. **Beitrag** Es gibt zur Zeit keinen fixen Trainingsbeitrag, aber wir freuen uns immer über freiwillige Spenden für die Leitung und die Organisation. **Achtung:** Das Event ist nur für Teilnehmer\*innen ab 16 Jahre, da wir nicht immer für absolut jugendfreie Geschichten oder Szenen garantieren können. **WA-Gruppe:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqQyn5IIrry5WFIHAl9PYZ](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fchat.whatsapp.com%2FKqQyn5IIrry5WFIHAl9PYZ&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1781560800000000&usg=AOvVaw3Z8wFHlKYcwr7fkc8fB-Oq) Wir empfehlen den Beitritt zur WA-Gruppe da wir nicht immer auf der selben Wiese sind. Hier wird der genaue Live-Standort geteilt. Bitte beachtet aus Datenschutzgründen, dass beim Beitritt der WA-Gruppe alle Mitglieder eure Telefonnummer sehen können. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Donau Insel Improv Training & Picnic** Learn improv theater techniques and different formats in a playful way! You will train your creativity and spontaneity while working on your self-confidence. **Find us here:** [https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003](https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.2233687,16.4163003) (Meeting point coordinates) **--> Please bring your own food and snacks for the picnic! We can then share and eat together.** **What to expect:** * Funny group games * Creative theater exercises * Short improv scenes (only 5 to 8 minutes) * Creating stories together * Lots of laughter, sun, and fun **Improv: What’s in it for you?** * Spontaneity * Self-confidence * Creativity * Learning to embrace mistakes * Acting practice * Teamwork * **Safe Space** A secure environment without pressure to perform, where mutual appreciation is the top priority. You are never under any obligation to participate and can step out of scenes or skip individual exercises at any time. **Instructor** I have been leading improv training for three years, organizing competitions and shows, and regularly attend further training workshops myself. I have led over 80 training sessions. **Contribution** There is currently no fixed fee for the training, but we always appreciate voluntary donations for the instruction and organization. **Please note:** This event is for participants aged 16 and over, as we cannot always guarantee that stories or scenes will be entirely "family-friendly." **WhatsApp Group:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqQyn5IIrry5WFIHAl9PYZ We recommend joining the WhatsApp group since we are not always on the same meadow. The exact live location will be shared there. *Please note for privacy reasons that by joining the WhatsApp group, all members will be able to see your phone number.*

Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00! A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer—regardless of genre or skill level—has access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals." And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problem—just find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writing—anything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on. Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the café (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!

Human Design isn’t just theory, it’s a map back to your natural way of operating. Stop pushing against the grain and start living in alignment. This 2 hour long interactive workshop is designed to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “doing.” We’re skipping surface-level small talk to explore the deeper layers of human nature. Whether you’re completely new to Human Design or already familiar with it, you’ll find a supportive, English-speaking community ready to help you trade resistance for flow. *** ## The Agenda During this session, we will explore: **Relationship trough the Lens of Human Design** *** ## Your Toolkit * **Your Stats:** Birth date, exact time, and location (you can also generate your personal human design chart here: https://rd-coaching.eu/wp-admin/post.php?post=2582&action=elementor ) * **A Notebook:** For those “aha!” moments you’ll want to remember * **The Vibe:** An open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity *** ## Investment €20 per person Early Bird: €10 (until May 10, 2026) *** ## The Venue & After-Vibes We’re gathering at **Zoku Vienna**, a creative hub in the heart of the city. Since it’s Wednesday, Zoku features live music in the evening. You’re warmly invited to stay after the workshop, enjoy the tunes, and connect with the community in a relaxed atmosphere. *** ## A Note on Attendance Please only sign up if you are certain you can attend. We coordinate seating directly with the venue based on our numbers, so an accurate headcount is essential to ensure we have the perfect space for everyone.

Weekly screenings from a large archive of many of the most significant, yet seldom seen and rarely accessible cinematic masterpieces in the history of film - from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Screenings are in original language, if English, or original language with English subtitles. Films are selected democratically on the inspiration of a brief pre-screening discussion. The selected title is typically a "neglected gem" that most of us discover together for the first time. Individual taste is not a criterion and all participants are expected to put the interests of the group as a whole above personal preference or prejudice. In this sense, the emphasis is on openness, exploration, and surprise. Each screening is followed by an in-depth group discussion, led and moderated by the curator. WARNNG: FilmStory is not just about watching movies! Rather, it's a socially responsible, intellectual engagement, involving an organic approach to group study of film language, philosophy, art, history, politics, and technology. In this sense, the film is always merely the current highlight in an explorative, ongoing group discussion. **FilmStory** is a members-only series that involves a closely knit community of cinephiles. Events take place every Sunday in a comfortable, private setting with limited capacity. Participation is reserved primarily for regular members, but we're always ready to make new friends! Non-regular members may request to meet the community and, upon acceptance as a "new joiner," are welcome to participate in one event, according to space availability. New joiners are asked to make a €6 member dues contribution in advance of the requested date. New members receive a message of confirmation and the address of the Living Room in 1080 Vienna upon receipt of their dues contribution. **FilmStory** is presented and hosted by **[KulturSalon Wien](https://www.meetup.com/kultursalon-wien/)**.

***5vs5 Sonntagskickerl @ Westside Soccer* ⚽️** Lust auf **Fußball**? Wir spielen jede Woche ein lockeres **5vs5 @ Westside Soccer** im 14. Bezirk (**17:00-18:30**) - unkompliziert, ohne Team und ohne Verpflichtung. **Die Plätze sind limitiert,** daher gilt: first come, first served. So nimmst du teil: ✅ App downloaden ([www.strangersoccer.com](http://www.strangersoccer.com/)) ✅ Spiel auswählen ✅ Slot buchen, vorbeikommen & einfach mitkicken; wir kümmern uns um den Rest. 🎁 Dein **erstes Spiel kostenlos** ist mit dem Promocode WELCOME Mehr Infos direkt bei uns - schreib uns gerne! ☺️ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* ***5vs5 Sunday Football @ Westside Soccer* ⚽️** Looking for **casual football**? We’re playing a **relaxed 5vs5** weekly game at **Westside Soccer** in Vienna’s 14th district (**5:00–6:30 PM**) - no team, no commitments, no stress. **Spots are limited**, so it’s first come, first served. How to join: ✅ Download the app ([www.strangersoccer.com](http://www.strangersoccer.com/)) ✅ Choose the game ✅ Book your slot, show up & play - we’ll take care of the rest. 🎁 Your **first game is free** with the promo code: WELCOME Feel free to message us if you’d like more info ☺️

Come here a word from our Australian Missionary, Luke!

**To secure your spot, please sign up.** Spots are limited. I will do a check-in at the event. If you sign up and do not attend without letting us know, I will take note of it. :) So please only sign up if you are genuinely planning to come. Signing up is a promise — a promise that you will be there. If you sign up and later can’t attend, please inform us early so someone else can take your place. Improv depends on group energy. Commitment matters. *** Improv theatre is one of the best ways to step out of your comfort zone — while actually having fun. In this workshop we’ll focus on: * Storytelling techniques * Scene work * Playfulness and connection * Understanding how comedy works No experience needed. Just curiosity and willingness to try. *** **Workshop Structure** **First half:** Warm-up games and storytelling exercises to build energy, trust and spontaneity. **Second half:** Scene work. We’ll apply what we explored and create improvised moments together. It’s interactive. You’ll be on your feet. You’ll participate. *** **Break & Sharing** You’re welcome to bring food and drinks to share during the break. Let’s keep it relaxed and social. Improv works best when we connect not just on stage, but also off stage. *** **About talkin’** talkin' is an event series focusing on personal development and social adventures, hosted by amateurs and non-professionals. Every participant has the chance to lead their own talkin' event! We believe that the best way to grow as a person is to go out of your comfort zone and have fun along the way. You don't think that's possible? Come and join us and see for yourself. The English-speaking group invites internationals in Vienna, but also Austrians who enjoy speaking English. We are a group of people who organize monthly social adventures. Everyone is free to join. This event will be held in English. Please respect each other and speak English only. German events will be organized in the future as well. *** To stay updated about all our events, join our Telegram: [https://t.me/czc_vienna](https://t.me/czc_vienna)

⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Speed Friending in Vienna! Age 20-29/30-39. Our next event is coming soon! Please read the description attentively: Price for boys is 10€ and order a drink It is for free for girls ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. Please register if you go and unregister if you don’t go How it works: This is the easiest way to meet people you actually want to hang out with. No awkward silences, no pressure — just fun, quick conversations and genuine connections. • You’ll chat with different people in short rounds • After each round, you switch to someone new • At the end, you note who you clicked with — if it’s mutual, we’ll connect you! Age groups: 20–29 and 30–39 Join us on Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr

Thank you for visiting this event page! * Are you an advanced badminton player? If yes - WELCOME! * The earlier you sign up, the bigger your chance to reserve a place - once 10 players have signed up already, you move to the waiting list. * Once the waiting list has 3 or more members, I will try to book an additional court, but no guarantees. I need to close the registration 24h before the event as I will then have to decide whether to cancel any court due to a shortage of players. The fee per player will be €10.00 for 2 hours. This will also cover the feather shuttles used during play. Please be on time as a curtesy to the other players. In addition, if you are on the players' list and don't come (i.e. no show), you will be automatically excluded from this group.

Anlässlich des internationalen Yogatages finden in Wien im Juni folgende Heartfulness Events statt: Sonntag, 14.6. im Markhof 10:00 Uhr: Chair-Yoga-Session (ca. 15–20 Minuten) mit anschließender Meditation 11:00 Uhr: Kurze Kaffeepause mit kleinen Snacks 11:30 Uhr: Kurze Präsentation zum Thema „Ahimsa“ (ca. 10 Minuten) mit anschließendem Austausch in der Runde Ahimsa – das yogische Prinzip der Gewaltlosigkeit – ist eine der zentralen Grundlagen der yogischen Lebensweise. Es bedeutet, weder in Gedanken, Worten noch Taten Schaden zuzufügen, und umfasst Mitgefühl, Rücksicht und inneren Frieden. Wer Ahimsa im Alltag lebt, fördert Harmonie mit sich selbst, anderen Menschen, Tieren und der Natur – ein Weg zu einem bewussteren, liebevolleren Miteinander. Als Teil dieser Veranstaltung werden wir uns Gedanken darüber machen, wie wir Ahimsa im Alltag leben können 💗 ……… Sonntag, 21.06. im Markhof * 10:00 Uhr: Mit Leichtigkeit aufrichten (20–30 Minuten) Alexander-Technik Gruppenunterricht (20–30 Minuten) * 10:30 Uhr: Meditation mit anschließendem gemeinsamen Brunch Weitere Details zum Programm des 21. Juni im Markhof findet ihr im entsprechenden Event 😉 ……… Ort: Markhof – Das Dorf in der Stadt Markhofgasse 19 1030 Wien Das Programm ist kostenfrei, Spenden für unser Zentrum sind herzlich willkommen. Wir freuen uns, wenn viele von Euch teilnehmen und diesen Prozess gemeinsam erleben!

**Hey everybody!** Do you want to code together, share your projects, or just hang out in a creative atmosphere? Then join us at the **Coding Club @ Jo&Joe Hostel**! We usually start with a short introduction round so everyone can get to know each other. After that, you can: * share your achievements or pet projects (informal, just at the table) * get feedback or inspiration from others * or simply work on your own project alongside the group Bring your laptop (or any device you like to code on) if you want to actively work. Or just come by to connect and get inspired. Please try to be on time so we can kick things off together. Looking forward to seeing you there! 🚀

[*Included in the [Tango Learning Pass](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tango-learning-pass/)*] **A grounded, embodied approach to Tango Argentino for beginners building foundations and improvers seeking clarity, depth, and freedom.** **Every Sunday (except during our Tango Immersion Weekends)**, we explore the essentials of Tango Argentino focusing not only on what to do, but on how and why we move the way we do in this dance. ✨ **No previous experience required**, just curiosity to work with essential principles that allow you to understand the Tango Argentino language sooner, and adapt easier to real social dance situations. **✨ Experienced dancers refine technique and efficiency of their movements** ✨ **You can come with or without a dance partner**, and learn the role(s) of your choice (Jessica encourages to learn both). ✨ **Each class is followed by our Focused Práctica**, a guided practice gathering for all levels, where you can take time to socialize and integrate what you learned, ask questions, receive feedback, and practice in a relaxed and supportive environment. **Sundays** (except during [Tango Immersion Weekends](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion)) **19:00–20:00** Tango Basics Class **20:00–22:00** Practice Gathering with feedback **@ Breitenseer Straße 6, 1140 Wien** (door on the corner) ### Drop-in or register [here](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangobasics/#start). **The [Tango Learning Pass](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tango-learning-pass/) includes our weekly classes (Wednesday and this Sunday course) and the practice sessions.** €20 per person per class €15 per person per Guided Practice session €85 pack of 4 classes in a row + Guided Practice sessions after each class Participants with low income can request the Solidaritarif (-20%) via email or in person. PS. This course doesn't include classes on May 17th, June 21st and July 19th because of the [Tango Immersion](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/tangoimmersion) Weekends. Jessica will guide you on which workshops are suitable for beginners if you want to join those weekends too. **Teaching approach** Spoiler alert: This is not about copying and memorizing steps. Jessica's teaching focus is on body awareness, connection, and developing good habits from the start — so what you learn works in real social dance situations and truly supports your dance in the long term. **Check out more about her work at [jessicagerdel.com](https://www.jessicagerdel.com/) and on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tangoimmersion/)/[Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/abrazatango): Abrazatango.** Looking forward to seeing you there!

Como ya empieza a hacer calor, he pensado que sería buena idea celebrar el evento en un local con terraza. Para esta ocasión he reservado en Rüdigerhof (Hamburgerstraße 20, 1050 Wien). En Rüdigerhof ya estuvimos el pasado verano en dos ocasiones, y este verano es el local elegido para empezar la temporada de verano. Rüdigerhof se encuentra a pocos metros del Naschmarkt (U4 Kettenbrückengasse). **En Rüdigerhof** no aceptan tarjetas, y **solo se puede pagar en metálico**. Si el tiempo acompaña (y eso es lo que esperamos todos), nos sentaremos en la terraza. He hecho una reserva para 20 personas y, por cuestiones de logística, es conveniente llegar puntual. En este verano tengo la intención de celebrar el evento en distintos locales con terraza (así que si no vienes, te lo pierdes). Ante cualquier duda, especialmente si es tu primera vez, puedes mandarme un WhatsApp: +4369010297300. El evento tiene la función de que nos juntemos para pasar un rato divertido. No olvides compartir el evento con otras personas interesadas. También tenemos un grupo de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/426629184137458/ No olvides seguirnos en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafedelalengua/

**Come join us! We are getting a lot of writing done. Basically we are 10% chat, 90% gettin’ stuff done! It’s a great, relaxed vibe and new members are very welcome.**

…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082) Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review “In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History "During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN) "Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature "In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19 “A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To “The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree “A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus “Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine "[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal ### About the Author Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.

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

**Just discounted: $500 off!** **Register at** [https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink](https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink) Think With Ink™ is Lizard Brain’s 3-day premiere graphic facilitation workshop. This is an intensive workshop that covers the essentials of using visuals to facilitate a group process. The workshop covers three areas: * Technique: Markers, paper handling, color use, lettering, drawing, forms, levels of information, listening for synthesis. * Models, Methods, and Tools: visual energizers and icebreakers, meeting principles and ground rules, and visual tools for brainstorming ideas, comparing ideas, and collaboratively deciding the way forward. * Experiential Practice: hands-on practice designing and leading facilitated modalities. This workshop is meant for: * The facilitator who wants to build a repertoire of visual tools, * The graphic recorder or sketchnoter who wants to expand into graphic facilitation, * The team member who wants to bring visual, participatory methods to the team, * The consultant and coach who wants to help clients think through problems in a visual manner, or * The visual thinker, the whiteboard salesman, the data visualizer, or anyone that sits in the intersection of visuals and helping others solve problems. Each participant will receive: * Textbook * Sketchbook and sketchnoting materials * Handouts summarizing key practices * Set of markers * Roll of twenty-five-yard paper * This hands-on, practice-driven workshop will give you everything you need to graphically facilitate groups through the toughest challenges. **The next in-person running is in Reston, Virginia, June 17-19, 2026.** Click the link below to find out more! [https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink](https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink) **FAQs** * *Will this teach me to graphic record?* * Graphic recording is large-scale visual notetaking for groups. Graphic facilitation is using visuals to help move a group through a process. Although you can apply many of the graphic facilitation methods in Think With Ink to graphic recording, we will focus on visual group processes rather than on the aesthetic side of graphic recording. * * *Will this teach me to graphic facilitate?* * Yes! * * *What can I bring into the event?* * Please bring questions, comments, stories, favorite tools, examples, experiences, and a willingness to learn and share with others! * * *How can I contact the organizer with any questions?* * For any questions, please contact brian@lizardbrain.com.

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

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

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

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

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

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

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

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

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

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

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

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

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

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

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

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

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

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

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

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

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

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 :)