Cypherpunk

{ EVENT is Sold-out. Full } Overview Join renowned art-historian Andrew Graham-Dixon as he discusses his revelatory new biography of the Dutch Master with novelist Teju Cole. **For centuries, the work of Johannes Vermeer, the Master of Delft, has beguiled the art world with its deceptively simple scenes of 17th century Dutch life**. Viewers have always sensed that the paintings contained a secret meaning, with no less a writer than Marcel Proust remarking that the work possessed something more than met the eye, but it was impossible to say just what it was. Vermeer has always remained elusive, making a fulsome biography almost impossible — until now. ***RESERVE your own FREE ticket--at the Eventbrite link I've included below*** In what the *Times Literary Supplement* calls "the best biography of Vermeer and the most complete analysis of his artwork that has ever been published," Andrew Graham-Dixon has revealed the enigmatic essence at the heart of Vermeer's work, opening up a radical new school of interpretation. In conversation with acclaimed novelist, critic, and photographer Teju Cole, Graham-Dixon will illuminate the best-kept secrets of this most supreme of all painters. **ABOUT THIS EVENT'S GUESTS:** **Andrew Graham-Dixon** is one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television in the English-speaking world. He has presented numerous landmark series on art for the BBC and other independents, and his published works include *A History of British Art* (1995), *Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel* (2007), and *Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane* (2010), which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. **Teju Cole** is a novelist, essayist, and photographer. He was the photography critic of the *New York Times Magazine* from 2015 until 2019. He is currently the Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard and a contributing writer to the *New York Times Magazine*. His published works include the novels *Open City* (2011) and *Tremor* (2023), which was named a book of the year by *Time*, *the Washington Post*, and *New York Magazine*; the essay collection *Known and Strange Things* (2016), which was shortlisted for both the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay and the inaugural PEN/Jean Stein Award; and *Blind Spot* (June 2017), a genre-crossing work of photography and texts, which was shortlisted for the Aperture/Paris Photo Photobook Award and named one of the best books of the year by *Time Magazine.* https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69a0bacc491b809c6f1cbdf7 **FREE Ticket link here:** https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/andrew-graham-dixon-teju-cole-vermeer-a-life-lost-and-found-tickets-1983799694288?aff=oddtdtcreator

🪞 My Inner Mirror – Inner Alchemy Workshop Through Art Therapy 🎨 Immerse yourself in a unique and transformative workshop, blending artistic creation, meditation, and inner exploration. This guided introspective space will allow you to manifest your inner reality through art, shifting perceptions and strengthening your connection with your subconscious. 🌟 Why Join? ✅ Visually express your inner world and uncover its hidden messages ✅ Deepen your connection with your subconscious through guided meditation ✅ Use art as a tool for transformation and self-analysis ✅ Learn interpretation techniques to better understand your creations No artistic skills required – this workshop is accessible to everyone! 🧘‍♂️ Workshop Flow: 1. Breathing Exercises – Mental and energetic preparation for meditation 2. Guided Meditation – Activating the subconscious and awakening intuition 3. Mirror Drawing Creation – Representing your inner reality through art 4. Interpretation & Examples – Understanding the symbols and messages within your artwork 5. Sharing & Q/A – A space for discussion and guidance 📌 Required Materials: 🔹 Paper: Blank sheets (A4 or A3 format, no grid lines) 🔹 Artistic tools: Pencils, brushes, markers, or any medium of your choice ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 💫 Guidance: This workshop is led by Ludovic, exploring inner alchemy through yoga and art therapy. 🪞 Let your true essence emerge, observe your inner reflection, and uncover the secrets your subconscious wishes to reveal. ✅ Reserve your spot now and embark on this transformative journey! **✨ Join Our Wellness Community** More on [https://www.yogasource.org](https://www.yogasource.org)

Join us for a classic Bitcoin Bay meetup, where we meet and discuss all the happenings in Bitcoin & Crypto, share and discuss our projects and ideas. * Looking for cofounders? Many people have found cofounders at Bitcoin Bay meetups! * Have a question? Seasoned community members will be happy to answer. * Want to talk to Bitcoin & Crypto people in real life instead of online? This is the place to be! Beginners and seasoned experts alike are welcome!

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

Join other Gaymers this evening to work on your DIY project with others and show off your work in progress! Come chat, craft, and work on whatever project you wish! (Or just chill with us!) The only thing you have to do is bring your project, materials, and yourself! Your host, Nef, is also happy to teach you how to crochet :) While this event is free, we encourage folks to get some food or drinks if possible! (Only if this is a possibility for you!) We provide nametag stickers with a pronoun field; we want this to be a comfortable environment for everyone, kindly respect people's listed or stated pronouns. If you are unsure of someone's pronouns, don't assume: Ask, Respect and Practice Definitely ask before taking pictures/videos. \*\*\*Please reach out to [info@torontogaymers.ca](mailto:info@torontogaymers.ca) with any accessibility concerns. [https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1753646882381297&usg=AOvVaw00IFqJeQVIkNQH04yjTL6E)

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Mississauga Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

**This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) **Best Of TechTO is our annual night to celebrate what Toronto’s tech community is building - and to meet the people behind it.** Real stories, real milestones - no panels, no pitch competitions. This year we're back at Toronto City Hall. \*\*\* **Agenda** 6:00 pm — Doors open, networking, food & drinks 7:00 pm — Community open mic, TechTO announcements, and stage presentations 8:30 pm — Afterparty \*\*\* ***Speakers*** * **[Liza Akhvledziani Carew](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaveta-akhvledziani-cfa/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Chexy](https://chexy.co/)** \- $1B\+ annual run\-rate payments\, $14M Series A led by Khosla Ventures * **[Anthony Mouchantaf](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mouchantaf-508442113/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Biossil](https://www.biossil.co/)** \- AI biopharma backed by OpenAI and Founders Fund * **[Eden Ding](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edending/)**, Co-Founder & CTO, **[NationGraph](https://www.nationgraph.com/)** \- $22\.5M raised\, 2x pipeline per sales rep * **[Rebecca Kacaba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccakacaba/)**, CEO & Co-Founder, **[DealMaker](https://www.dealmaker.tech/)** \- raised $2\.3B\+ in capital for founders\, with $20M recently raised for DealMaker itself * **[Saam Mashhad](https://www.linkedin.com/in/saam-mashhad-47598639/)**, Co-Founder & CPO, **[EvenUp](https://www.evenuplaw.com/)** \- former litigator\, $385M raised\, $3B valuation in under five years * \*\*\* **This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** 👉 [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) *By attending you consent to photography and video recording and agree to receive the TechTO newsletter. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.*

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents Tickets ONLY $10: https://spellboundSPA.eventbrite.ca **Sat April 18 - SPELLBOUND Video Dance Party. GOTH / DARKWAVE / POST-PUNK / INDUSTRIAL w/ She Past Away Spotlight** SPELLBOUND is Canada's ONLY dark music video dance party. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Goth A.F. Contest $100 prize + custom trophy to the most gothed up patron. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Saturday April 18, 2026 SPELLBOUND: Goth Video Dance Party w/ She Past Away Spotlight Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto Lounge 9pm - Mainroom: 10pm - 19+ Event $10 advanced: https://spellboundSPA.eventbrite.ca $15 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/1649118399601897/ (Please INVITE your friends) SPELLBOUND is a goth multimedia dance experience with classic and fresh dark music videos. SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks

🪞 My Inner Mirror – Inner Alchemy Workshop Through Art Therapy 🎨 Immerse yourself in a unique and transformative workshop, blending artistic creation, meditation, and inner exploration. This guided introspective space will allow you to manifest your inner reality through art, shifting perceptions and strengthening your connection with your subconscious. 🌟 Why Join? ✅ Visually express your inner world and uncover its hidden messages ✅ Deepen your connection with your subconscious through guided meditation ✅ Use art as a tool for transformation and self-analysis ✅ Learn interpretation techniques to better understand your creations No artistic skills required – this workshop is accessible to everyone! 🧘‍♂️ Workshop Flow: 1. Breathing Exercises – Mental and energetic preparation for meditation 2. Guided Meditation – Activating the subconscious and awakening intuition 3. Mirror Drawing Creation – Representing your inner reality through art 4. Interpretation & Examples – Understanding the symbols and messages within your artwork 5. Sharing & Q/A – A space for discussion and guidance 📌 Required Materials: 🔹 Paper: Blank sheets (A4 or A3 format, no grid lines) 🔹 Artistic tools: Pencils, brushes, markers, or any medium of your choice ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 💫 Guidance: This workshop is led by Ludovic, exploring inner alchemy through yoga and art therapy. 🪞 Let your true essence emerge, observe your inner reflection, and uncover the secrets your subconscious wishes to reveal. ✅ Reserve your spot now and embark on this transformative journey! **✨ Join Our Wellness Community** More on [https://www.yogasource.org](https://www.yogasource.org)

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents Tickets ONLY $10: https://spellboundSPA.eventbrite.ca Sat April 18 - SPELLBOUND Video Dance Party. GOTH / DARKWAVE / POST-PUNK / INDUSTRIAL w/ She Past Away Spotlight SPELLBOUND is Canada's ONLY dark music video dance party. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Goth A.F. Contest $100 prize + custom trophy to the most gothed up patron. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Saturday April 18, 2026 SPELLBOUND: Goth Video Dance Party w/ She Past Away Spotlight Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto Lounge 9pm - Mainroom: 10pm - 19+ Event $10 advanced: https://spellboundSPA.eventbrite.ca $15 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/1649118399601897/ (Please INVITE your friends) SPELLBOUND is a goth multimedia dance experience with classic and fresh dark music videos. SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks

SPACE IS LIMITED! This is a much smaller class than our 7:30 pm event and we can only accept a limited number of students. Key areas of focus: Practicing oral communication (speaking languages), for conversations, presentations, interviews and job skills Schedule: 1. 6:30- 7:15 pm : 45 -minute language conversation class with certified award-winning language teacher John Dias. 2. Language exchange social (7:30-11 pm): includes Free access to the Toronto's BIGGEST Language Party and Social Party also in the Madison Pub led by teacher John Dias (same location) **Cost: just $ 5 while we have this promo.** **PROMO (Limited Time): $5 fee will give you access to both events (usual rate: $15 total)** Feel free to message us if you have any questions!

The TAICO team is happy to announce our next meetup at the Adaptavist office in Toronto. Much thanks to [Adaptavist](https://www.adaptavist.com/) for hosting! **Wayfinding: How to Get to the Event** * *Please be careful when using maps features on phones, some people have been redirected to a completely wrong address. The event is near Winners on Front St, which is just south, across the street, from Berczy Park (where the dog fountain is) so if you are not near that area, you are in the wrong place.* **Registration and Event Details** Our goal is to bring artificial intelligence and cybersecurity together. To do that, we need to explore what's happening in AI and what's happening in cybersecurity, and where the two intersect and collide. We're also working to understand how we solve problems in these areas, what that looks like, and how Canada can and will participate. With that in mind, we're pleased to announce our speakers and the agenda for our next meeting! **Sponsors** And thanks to our host, [Adaptavist](https://www.adaptavist.com/)! **Notes** * *Unfortunately, we won't have pizza at this meetup due to a gap in sponsorship. We're actively working on securing sponsors for future events.* **Agenda** **Doors Open: 5:30PM** **Event Start: 6:00PM** * 👋 **Welcome and introductions** * 🙏 **Thank you to our amazing hosts and sponsors!** 🎉 * 🎙️ **Speakers** 🎤 **Speaker #1: Dmitrii Strizhkov** ***Subject: Penetration Testing Automation with MCP*** ***Abstract:*** *This presentation talks about my journey as the penetration testing practice lead, covering how I was able to increase efficiency and speed up the execution of my team's projects. I will discuss what MCP is, introduce how it can help in reconnaissance and enumeration phases, and analyze the results. I will also demo a solution that everyone can implement using the n8n low-code platform. Additionally, I will discuss and show why agents can help us, pentesters, in writing the reports (do the boring and tedious stuff). In the end, I will delve into why several precautionary measures should be undertaken before sending sensitive client data to commercial LLMs and suggest several solutions based on my experience. And as the final point, I would want to encourage my colleagues to experiment with and implement their own MCP-based solutions to speed up and make their engagements more effective.* *About Dmitrii:* *Dmitrii is the head of offensive security/penetration testing and practice lead at Parabellyx Cybersecurity.* 🎤 **Speaker #2: David Ahmann** ***Title: Stop Is Not a Safety Control: What AI Agent Security Looks Like at the Runtime Boundary*** **Abstract:** *A lot of AI security discussion still focuses on prompts, policies, and tool declarations. Our research at ([CAISI](https://caisi.dev/)) has been looking at the harder question: what actually changes at execution time when an agent is told to stop, requires approval, or reaches a risky tool boundary? I’d share a practical, evidence-based talk on where AI agent control really holds or fails, drawing from our OpenClaw case-study work and our public research on agent governance, evidence posture, and approval gaps. The goal would be a practitioner-focused session for security leaders, builders, and evaluators trying to separate demo confidence from real control.* **⚡ Lightning Talks and Demos** Lightning Talks - 5 to 15 minutes long 1. Curtis Collicutt - A demo of a new programming language: [Vary](https://varylang.com) \- A typed language design to find "lies" in generated code 2. Janhavi Doshi - "Data, LLMs and the Law - What Every Builder in Canada Needs to Know Right Now" 3. **You? - Please reach out if you'd like to do a lightning talk or demo - anyone is welcome to demo something they are working one** Please reach out to us if you'd like to present at the meetup. We are looking for people to talk about what they are working on, what they are building and learning, and are open to any level of experience and technical depth. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we want to hear from you! We're all just out here building and learning. 👋 **See You There!** Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you at the meetup!

This is an online Sunday retreat to: **develop basic fluency** in the practices, concepts, and **language of spiritual experience** with like-minded people; **cultivate attunement** and connection with oneself and others; access flow states, embodied awareness, grounded and centered presence & consciousness; and taste the transcendent already present in the core of our being. This workshop is for anyone who struggles to notice or articulate their subtle experience, and/or those who struggle to slow down, to drop out of drive gear into neutral; those wanting **out of the doing mode and enter into the being mode**; to awaken the inner source of meaning, value, purpose, connection, and wisdom; and to share that presence in relation to others. We’ll move through a multi‑modal series of participatory practices across the DIME framework – Dialogical, Imaginal, Mindfulness, and Embodiment – as a foundation for a practical philosophy and intentional way of life. Practices include: body scan meditation, mindful speaking and listening, focused and open awareness meditation, contemplation of a sacred text, invoking the spirit of a philosophically meaningful text, practices evoking a felt sense of “moreness” or “suchness”, other authentic relating groupwork and a creative self‑expression and self‑exploration practice. **No prior experience is needed** – just curiosity and a willingness to explore. **Duration:** 6.5hrs (with breaks) ### About your Facilitators **Rick Repetti, PhD. -** Professor of Philosophy & VP of APPA Rick’s list of credentials could justify it’s own page. Relative to this workshop, he’s a Philosophical Consultant, and Socratic Dialogue facilitator, faculty member of the Philosophical Practitioners Association of India, meditation instructor here at ATM, founding member of the CUNY Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies group, multiple decades practitioner and instructor of meditation and yoga, and 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He’s also written things, many things, such as *Buddhism, Meditation and Free Will: A Theory of Mental Freedom* (Routledge 2019) **Taylor Barratt -** Director at Awaken to Meaning, Integral Facilitator As Director of Practice and Education with Awaken to Meaning, Taylor brings over 13 years of experience in facilitation, design, and training. Along with John, he has been a robust voice of guidance in the design and pedagogical execution of TIAMAT. He’s a certified Integral Facilitator and has co-designed the Socratic Search Space, Socratic Imaginal Self-Reflection as well as the pedagogical structures for Dialectic-into Dialogos **Facilitation:** Rick Repetti & Taylor Barratt

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!

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

***LOVE SOUP?*** Souper Heroes is back! Folks donate homemade soups and we get to sample and vote on our favorite! Now, put a donation in the collection (or Venmo). Suggested donation to local food pantry: $5+ (depending on how many samples you enjoy) ### April 23: “Spring Fling” As spring starts to bloom, Souper Heroes will embrace fresh, vibrant flavors with the “Spring Fling” event in April. This is your chance to dive into the season with soups that are as colorful and lively as spring itself. Bold ingredients, bright flavors, and a touch of creativity will make this event the perfect celebration of renewal and growth. ### How It Works **Soup Makers:** Bring your A-game (and your pre-heated slow cooker) filled with your best soup. You’ll be serving samples to attendees who are ready to fall in love with your creation. Registration is open now! **Soup Eaters:** For a small donation (cash or Venmo), you can taste up to 15 soups and vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice Award. The host location will supply all the essentials: extension cords, soup cups, spoons, napkins, and even cup carriers. *Plus, bread and beverages will be on hand to round out the experience.* [Seventh Son](https://www.seventhsonbrewing.com/) brings delicious beer to the city and state that we love—Columbus, Ohio—and offers a unique taproom space to enjoy with our friends and neighbors. Food trucks, live plants, good music, excellent people, award-winning beers, and cocktails.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)