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{ 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

**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.*

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/7h4g008b). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 [https://luma.com/7h4g008b](https://luma.com/7h4g008b) To stay up-to-date with our latest events, please subscribe to our luma calendar here: [https://luma.com/techtank](https://luma.com/techtank) **Long CI times slowing down your development workflow?** Many teams assume improving CI performance requires new infrastructure, expensive tools, or major changes to their workflow. But in many cases, the tools you're already using include built-in flags that can significantly reduce CI time — they're just often overlooked. In this talk, **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** (Software Developer @ StackAdapt) will share how small configuration changes in common JavaScript tooling can lead to meaningful CI speedups, faster feedback loops, and a better developer experience. The core idea is simple: **you can often reduce CI time significantly without adding new infrastructure, SaaS, or complex changes.** Most JavaScript tooling already includes flags for caching, concurrency, and smarter execution. The real challenge isn't availability — it's awareness and correct setup in CI environments. Emily will walk through practical examples using tools many teams already rely on, including: * ESLint * Jest * Playwright * Next.js If you work on large codebases, monorepos, or pipelines that take longer than you'd like, this talk will show how **small adjustments to existing tooling can make a big difference.** *** ## About the Speaker **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** is a software engineer with 10+ years of experience building and scaling products in enterprise environments. She's experienced the industry’s ups and downs (including layoffs), which has shaped her resilience and focus on continuous growth. Emily is particularly passionate about developer experience, tackling challenges like large monorepos and long CI times. She stays closely tuned to developments in AI, both excited and a little cautious about where the industry is heading, and she enjoys blogging to explore ideas and share what she's learning. *** ## Important Notes for RSVPs **RSVP Commitment** ​If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. No-shows may affect your ability to attend future TechTank events. ​​ **Photography & Video Disclaimer ​** By attending, you acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken and used for future promotional content. If you’d prefer not to be included, please inform the TechTank organizers when you arrive. ​​ *** ## Event Sponsor This event is sponsored by **[BrainStation](https://brainstation.io/)**. BrainStation is a global leader in digital skills training and workforce transformation. Founded in 2012, BrainStation has certified over **35,000 professionals** and worked with some of the largest companies in the world through cutting-edge digital skills training delivered online and in person from campuses in **New York, London, and Toronto**.  *** ## About TechTank [TechTank](https://www.techtankto.com/) is a Toronto tech community bringing developers, designers, and builders together through talks, workshops, and community events. Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions: [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)  *** **Interested in Supporting TechTank?** If you or your company are interested in sponsoring a TechTank event or supporting the community, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 **Email us:** [techtankto@gmail.com](https://techtankto@gmail.com)

Call on 416-938-2223 to find me :) -Ritik

**🏛️ 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/) 👈**

Join us for ESL Cafe on Mondays nights at St Paul's Bloor Street. We have groups for all levels of English: Basic English, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At ESL Cafe, you can practice English conversation, drink coffee (or tea) and have lots of fun meeting other interesting people!!

**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

The next event is happening on Wednesday April 15 at 630 PM at Steadfast Brewery! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

The next event is happening on Saturday April 18 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

ABCD Reads "**Interpreter of Maladies**" by Jhumpa Lahiri, a short story collection that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000. [[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/5165914897252352) of the poll for this event] **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Navigating between the Indian traditions they've inherited and the baffling new world, the characters in Jhumpa Lahiri's elegant, touching stories seek love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. In "A Temporary Matter," published in The New Yorker, a young Indian-American couple faces the heartbreak of a stillborn birth while their Boston neighborhood copes with a nightly blackout. In the title story, an interpreter guides an American family through the India of their ancestors and hears an astonishing confession. Lahiri writes with deft cultural insight reminiscent of Anita Desai and a nuanced depth that recalls Mavis Gallant." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5439.Interpreter_of_Maladies)) "With accomplished precision and gentle eloquence, Jhumpa Lahiri traces the crosscurrents set in motion when immigrants, expatriates, and their children arrive, quite literally, at a cultural divide. A blackout forces a young Indian American couple to make confessions that unravel their tattered domestic peace. An Indian American girl recognizes her cultural identity during a Halloween celebration while the Pakastani civil war rages on television in the background. A latchkey kid with a single working mother finds affinity with a woman from Calcutta. In the title story, an interpreter guides an American family through the India of their ancestors and hears an astonishing confession. Imbued with the sensual details of Indian culture, these stories speak with passion and wisdom to everyone who has ever felt like a foreigner. Like the interpreter of the title story, Lahiri translates between the strict traditions of her ancestors and a baffling new world." (from the [Toronto Public Library](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C194772)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book before attending (though finishing any book is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT BOOK ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next book. If you have a good one in mind, please ensure it is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules). When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

*Homegoing* is the debut historical fiction novel by Ghanaian-American author Yaa Gyasi, published in 2016. Each chapter in the novel follows a different descendant of an Asante woman named Maame, starting in the 18th century with her two daughters, who are half-sisters, separated by circumstance: Effia marries James Collins, the British governor in charge of Cape Coast Castle, while her half-sister Esi is held captive in the dungeons below. Subsequent chapters follow their children and following generations. We will start our discussion at 7:30. Food and drink are available for purchase. The $3 fee helps to offset Meetup costs.

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Followed by yoga for 20 mins. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. Class fee: $5 (helps cover space and music). Email money transfer to: monasalahuddin@hotmail.com

Our May book will be Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Book summary: In a tiny cafe where time travel is possible under strict rules, customers revisit pivotal moments they can't quite change.

Hey all! My name is Sarah, I'm a romance girlie in my twenties, and welcome to the Mostly Romance Book Club! I am a big mood reader so assigned books at book clubs don't really do it for me. I wanted to create a space where anyone can come with whatever book they want, meet new friends, and chat about what they've been reading. When: First and third Thursday of every month. 7-8:30 pm. Schedule: First 30 minutes: Introductions and chat about all things books Next 45 minutes: Silently read your personal physical book, ebook, or audiobook (yes audiobooks count :)) Last 15 minutes: Chat some more and wrap up the meeting Check the home page for zoom links. Up to 100 attendees so still join the zoom even if you can't sign up for the event.

Calling all Loudoun County and Northern VA Real Estate Investors, Agents and Professionals! Join the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US! The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is nationwide but was founded right here in your back yard! **This is a 12 part education series with new topics every month. This event is session 4 of 12!** **This event is free but has very limited seating and we are limited to the first 100 to RSVP! Join us and become a founding member of this amazing community!** *(it is ok to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Each session has stand alone topics. You can also attend other near by locations to get caught up on sessions that you have missed.)* **Very limited seating. In-person only.** **Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot.** **When: April 14, 2026 @ 5:45pm-9pm EST** **Where: 20116 Ashbrook Place Suite 200 Ashburn, VA 20147** The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is NOT just a meet up. It’s the most unique Real Estate Investor Community of Mentors, Coaches & Masterminds. A community of growth oriented, abundance mindset, go-giver individuals with a BARE MINIMUM commitment to become financially free through real estate investing. We focus on providing education and building networks to help every member solve their cash-flow freedom equation, so they can have the time-freedom needed to follow their passions, make a lasting impact and even change the world! The unique format of this event, which consists of high-level education, gamified networking, mastermind breakout sessions, case studies, group deal analysis, market deep dives, and peer-to-peer coaching facilitation makes this the most impactful local real estate investor group a real estate investor can be a part of. The foundation of the group is built around the belief that everyone in the room has the potential to change the world… however most of us never have the time, energy or financial situation to even dare to dream big enough. Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom. Once that happens it is usually much easier for us to think bigger, dream bigger, be bigger. · Learn more about the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/) · Get in the VIP List to be notified about the next event in your area [HERE](https://the.cashflowbreakfastclub.com/VIP) · Learn more about Launching your own Cash-Flow Breakfast Club Location [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/launch-your-own-club/) · Learn more about becoming an Affiliate-Sponsor at one of our club locations [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/affiliate-sponsors/) · View photos and videos of some of our recent events [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/about-the-cash-flow-breakfast-club/) · Looking to represent? Browse Cash-Flow Breakfast Club apparel and fly swag [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/shop/)

Join us for another session of our study group as we continue our coverage of the book Domain-Specific Small Language Models. In this session, we will attempt to cover Chapters 9 on "Advanced Quantization Techniques" and Chapter 10, on "Profiling Insights" to understand resource utilization by an SLM. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to continue to learn together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and download the code from here https://github.com/virtualramblas/Domain-Specific-Small-Language-Models ahead of time.

Join fellow book club members for dinner and great conversation at Juleps Kentucky Tavern located at 43781 Central Station Drive in Ashburn. Each person is responsible for any food and drinks selected. If you sign up and need to cancel, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.