Functors and Monads

February edition! We will be at Kraken Tech (Octopus Energy Group) London office! (in-person only event, no streaming) **Talks:** **Constraints over Patterns** - *Eden Watkins* We should think and talk about software engineering principles first as constraints on how we write code rather than patterns to be applied. Eden is a software engineer at Kraken in the developer foundations team. Before that, I was a research student in Linguistics. **Intro to Load Level Measurement (LLM) with Locust** - *Andy Idiaghe* An Intro to Load Testing with Locust and Python *Andy Idiaghe* is a Senior Software Engineer at Kraken, Mario Kart enthusiast and overall tech generalist **Want to share your Django or Python knowledge?** We’d love to feature your talk! Just fill out our [speaker form](https://forms.gle/LkaRdKVTF9ApbrEq7) to propose a talk! **Agenda:** • 6:15pm Doors open, socialising • 6:30pm Food and drinks offered by our sponsor • 7:00pm Doors close \*\* • 7:15pm Introduction, News, Talks • 8:30pm Socialising • 9:30pm Fin \*\* Please make sure to arrive between 6:15 PM and 6:55 PM. If you arrive earlier than 6:15 PM or later than 6:55 PM, you can take a seat in the seating area located in the downstairs reception. Please note that we cannot accommodate arrivals after 7:15 PM. Our meetups are governed by a [Code of Conduct](https://www.djangolondon.com/code-of-conduct/). Please take a few minutes to read it. This meetup is sponsored by: • [Kraken Tech (Octopus Energy Group)](https://kraken.tech/): "Kraken is a revolutionary energy tech platform built with predominantly Python & Django. We Serve 54 million households worldwide and have 38GW of contracted capacity." • [JetBrains](https://www.jetbrains.com/): "We make professional software development a more productive and enjoyable experience." Website: [https://djangolondon.com](https://djangolondon.com/) BlueSky: [@djangolondon.com](https://bsky.app/profile/djangolondon.com) Github: [github.com/djangolondon](https://github.com/djangolondon/) Open Collective: [opencollective.com/the-london-django-meetup-group](https://opencollective.com/the-london-django-meetup-group/)

We are back! This is going to be a monthly IN PERSON meet up in London. A very big thank you goes to Accurx who is hosting us in their amazing Shoreditch offices. This will include access to facilities including coffee! 😻☕️ **Want to know more? 👇** As with all CoffeeOps, this is an interactive, chatty, build your own adventure type of meet-up. Instead of booking in experts to *learn* *from*, we gather a group of practitioners to ***learn*** ***with***. We have been running for over 4 years now and often get feedback that this is the most useful meetup people join! The event is approximately 90 minutes and always starts by brainstorming topics to discuss. The group then votes on the most relevant/interesting to them and we then cycle through the topics trying to discuss each deeply, but in a time bound slot. To get an idea of topics, you can check out our remote board [here](https://easyretro.io/publicboard/h404NF84Uje4tCcxpJdHr4Ycs9B3/a4a35d2b-181b-409b-832e-a729be1af79c). The general gist is anything is fair game, though we tend to revolve around software delivery and definitely lean towards the more Ops-y or DevOps-y side of things.

This is our regular meetup which is combined with the Swedish and Danish groups that's been happening for many years now and as it's the most informal it's the best meet up to come along to if you're new. This meetup starts at 7pm. Each meetup has a mix of new and familiar faces; beginners, competent conversationalists & native speakers; as well as people who are just interested in the culture and meeting new people. Everyone is welcome along with friends of any nationality. Free entry and membership.

Join Champs Within for an energizing lunchtime Boxercise session aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle and supporting weight loss goals. This event is not only a fantastic way to stay active and fit, but also provides a social opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are focused on their well-being. Boxercise is not just a physical workout, but also contributes to mental health support by helping you de-stress and boost your mood. Come sweat it out, release some endorphins, and feel the empowerment and positivity that comes with taking charge of your health. Let's punch and kick our way to a healthier and happier you together!

Join the Prime Time Over 50s Social Group for a chilled out evening Following the success of our previous events, like the lively gathering at Oxford Circus, we would like to invite you to an evening that is perfect for mingling with like-minded individuals and making new friends and social connections. As you are aware this is a wetherspoons, so prices will be very reasonable

If you are you interested on creating your own comic, but need help to put your vision together or do not know were to start then we may have the solution for you. Come talk shop with fellow creators, share experiences, ideas, techniques and tips to help each other grow and have a chance in the industry.

**Love to Drum - Djembe and Percussion Fun!** Join us for an exciting drum circle experience with our regular host, Simon, who will be teaching simple and not-so-simple West African based drum rhythms. Together, we'll create uplifting and positive vibrations through the power of drums and percussion instruments, sharing in the joy of making music in a friendly and inclusive environment. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this drumming session is open to all. You'll have the opportunity to learn Djembe and Dundun drum rhythms and playing techniques. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the world of drumming and connect with others through the universal language of music. Don't miss out on this joyful and enriching experience! No matter your level of ability, you're bound to enjoy it. The cost for the entire session, including drum hire, is £15. Advance booking available here or at www.bunow.co/events

Welcome to this incredible meetup at one of London's most historic and charming pubs near Oxford Circus! We are excited to invite you to join us at The Cock Tavern, on Saturday at 3 PM. This Free event, tailored for the over 50s, offers a perfect opportunity to connect and celebrate in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. #### Details at a Glance: * **Date:** On Saturday. * **Time:** 3 PM onwards * **Venue:** The Cock Tavern, 27 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QE * **Nearest Station:** Oxford Circus #### **Convenient Location:** Located in the very heart of London, The Cock Tavern is just a short walk from Oxford Circus station. Its prime location makes it easily accessible, whether you're coming from home, a day out in the city, or a relaxing afternoon. **Engaging for the Over 50s:** This meetup is designed to be inclusive and welcoming for *members of our group*, particularly those over 50. Whether you're looking to make new friends, share stories, or simply enjoy the company of others in your age group, this event promises a comfortable and engaging environment. Although it may start quietly, it can become very busy as the afternoon progresses **Exciting Opportunity for Fun and Connection:** Join us for a delightful afternoon of meeting new people and engaging in fun conversations. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our events, you’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for making connections and enjoying great company. We can't wait to see you there! **[Prime Time Group](https://www.primetimebase.com) \| [FAQ](https://www.primetimebase.com/bulletin/category/faq/)**

This Valentine’s Day, skip the small talk and build something together instead! 🥳 PLEASE, JOIN THE WAITING LIST TO BE APPROVED This is a special edition of our 2-hour vibe coding jam, sponsored by [Lovable](https://lovable.dev/), for singles and others who are open to meeting people in a low-pressure way. You don’t need to be a developer or have an idea. **You don’t even need to be single!** We’ll team up in **small groups**, and **use AI tools** to **build an app**, or **experiment**. No pitching yourself. No awkward speed-dating questions. Just make something together and see if the vibe arises! **Join our What'sApp Chat:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/BxLUpQMiXwo6d1vG7YSirT **New to vibe coding? ✨** No worries! We begin with a simple starter guide with example prompts and tips so even total beginners can dive in without stress. **Who it’s for** •⁠ ⁠Singles who’d rather build than swipe •⁠ ⁠People open to friends, collaborators, or more •⁠ ⁠Designers, GameDevs, Product folks, Artists, Sales, curious humans... •⁠ ⁠Anyone! **How it works 🚀** •⁠ ⁠Quick welcome + what “vibe coding” means •⁠ ⁠A Valentine-themed challenge •⁠ ⁠90 minutes of building with AI, chatting, helping, and experimenting •⁠ ⁠Switching up teams every so often, so you meet more people •⁠ ⁠Optional demos •⁠ ⁠Hangouts **Opt-in badges to signal your vibe** 💘 Open to dating 🌼 Open to friends 💻 Just here to build **What to bring:** * ID to verify that you are 18+ 🪪 * Laptop! 💻 * Vibes ⚡ **What you’ll leave with** •⁠ ⁠A funky project you made in one evening •⁠ ⁠New friends •⁠ ⁠Possibly a crush, but definitely a story **Location 📍** **Brewhouse & Kitchen Highbury** 2A Corsica St, N51JJ, London 👉 **No pressure, no gatekeeping.** Come solo, or as a couple. Leave with something built, and maybe someone to build with again! 🔞 This event is strictly for people who are 18+. We may ask to see your ID if you look younger, in which case you may be denied entry.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ Welcome to the Highest Rated International Language Exchange group in London,🏆 with 1400+ reviews rated 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Join us on **Friday** for our weekend global language exchange and social 😊🍻🥂 TO ATTEND THIS EVENT YOU **MUST**👇👇 1. Have your Meetup confirmation visible on your phone when you arrive. 2. Collect & wear your badge as soon as you arrive and always BEFORE buying your drinks and food. 3. Pay the £2 event fee. The event starts at 7pm. **The event fee is £6 if you arrive after 8:30pm** Start meeting the community and having fun...lots of fun! https://www.languages.london/ 🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪🇮🇳🇨🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🇪🇬🇭🇰🇺🇸🇨🇴🇺🇦🇹🇷🇷🇺🇦🇺 WHEN & WHERE This Friday we'll be returning to The Craft Beer Co, St Mary Axe.** **Address: 29-31 Mitre Street, London, EC3A 5BU** https://maps.app.goo.gl/49HnHGap8hQMbQNWA **HOW WE DO IT** It's simple .... \~ When you arrive please collect your personalised language badge from us. We'll be waiting to give you a warm welcome 😃 \~ Please wear your badge during the event and always return it before you leave ♻️ \~ Start meeting the community and having fun...lots of fun! Please buy something from the bar to support the venue, who kindly offer us a dedicated space. 🇵🇱🇹🇼🇲🇽🇻🇳🇧🇬🇵🇸🇸🇪🇮🇱🇨🇦🇳🇱🇿🇦🇭🇺🇹🇭🇵🇪🇧🇴🇳🇬🇳🇿🇨🇭 **WHO** Languages in London events are organised for our community - being social, making new friends, building cultural bridges and always very relaxed. We have the largest number of languages and countries represented in our weekly language exchange and social events in London. This is **not** a dating event. Our events are open to Internationals, Locals, Expats, Students, Travellers..... Everyone! Are you an 18 to 24 year old? Come and explore our events. This is the event for a truly global community and for citizens from around the World. Is this the Intercambio you've been looking for? Want to practice your ingles, espanol , francais, italiano, Deutsch, portugues or other European languages? Asian languages ? Or maybe prefer to only speak English.... that's just fine. **All languages and all fluency levels are welcome** Spread the love...Bring your friends 💙 The creator and organiser of **Languages in London - Girish**, will always be visible at the event and there to support you and help with introductions, if you prefer. We want to remain the BEST language events group in London, being the biggest isn't our focus. These are real events with real people. We don't fill our events with inflated numbers and fictitious attendees 👻 **Community members that no-show at our events and inactive members are regularly removed from our group.** **LANGUAGES** Here's a selection of some of the languages that our community speak or have been practicing ... English, Spanish (incl Latin American), French, Italian, Portuguese (incl Brazilian), German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Russian, Korean, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Hebrew, Swedish, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Bengali, Dutch, Catalan, Farsi, Greek, Urdu, Welsh, Romanian, Norwegian, Czech, Slovak, Estonian, Danish, Finnish, Turkmen, Latvian, Lithuanian, Nepali, Yoruba, Filipino, Thai, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, Ebo, Afrikaans, Tamazight, Tagalog, Creole, Malagasy, Mongolian, Tok Pisin and more... you get the idea! 🇷🇴🇬🇹🇨🇿🇳🇴🇩🇰🇫🇮🇨🇾🇺🇾🇪🇬🇧🇬🇦🇷🇰🇪🇱🇰🇲🇦🇹🇳🇩🇿🇸🇬🇲🇾 **SUSTAINABLE** 🌎🌳 Like you, we really care about our planet. We don't like single use paper name tags, stickers or wristbands as they can't be reused or recycled and can even damage your clothing ☹️ The Solution? ...Our personalised and completely reusable Languages in London badges! 🏆👍 So, please make sure you return your badge to us, before you leave the event. We'll sanitise it (anti bacterial & disinfectant cleaners) and use it again & again & again. Thanks for helping us do the right thing and keep our costs down🙏 **SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE** 👮‍♂️ We don't tolerate prejudice or harassment of any kind, at any time. Be polite and respectful to everyone else and they will reciprocate. Let's keep the space safe, welcoming for everyone and free of any political agendas. Please report any concerns to the Organiser immediately. Please look after your belongings, the venue is a public place. We may take photos or video at the event for future promotional use. Let us know if you'd rather not be included, we respect your choice 📸 **SPREAD THE WORD** 🗣️💬 If you enjoy our events, please tell your friends and colleagues and help us grow **your** community, thank you ♥️ Join our community - https://www.languages.london/ We're looking forward to welcoming you at Languages in London 😊😃👋 🇲🇰🇳🇵🇧🇩🇵🇭🇦🇪🇦🇱🇧🇪🇮🇪🇰🇿🇱🇦🇯🇴🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇰🇭🇨🇱🇲🇳🇨🇺

**\# Unmissable Friday Night Social at the British Museum\! 🏛️✨** **\*Secure Your FREE Ticket with the museum Now!\* 🎟️** https://ticketing.britishmuseum.org/events?k=general%20admission Dive into an unforgettable evening of culture, connection, and celebration at the world-renowned British Museum in London! 🌍 Join us for an electrifying **\*Friday Night Social\***, where history meets modern-day merriment. With the museum’s doors open late, you’ll wander through awe-inspiring galleries brimming with treasures from ancient civilizations, all while forging new friendships in a vibrant, social atmosphere. Enjoy a guided tour led by an expert to deepen your appreciation of the museum’s wonders! 🗿📜 **\#\#\# Why the British Museum? 🏺** Founded in 1753, the British Museum is one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the world, housing over **\*8 million artifacts\*** that tell the story of human history. From the enigmatic **\*Rosetta Stone\***, which unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, to the majestic **\*Elgin Marbles\*** from the Parthenon, the museum is a treasure trove of cultural wonders. Its iconic **\*Great Court\***, with its breathtaking glass roof, is the largest covered public square in Europe—a perfect backdrop for an evening of exploration and connection. 🌟 Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, the museum’s galleries offer a captivating journey through time, from ancient Mesopotamia to the vibrant cultures of modern Africa. 🦒 **\#\#\# Event Highlights 🎉** This isn’t just a museum visit—it’s a \*dynamic social experience\* designed to spark connections and create memories! Here’s what’s in store: * **\*6:45 PM – Meet & Mingle\*** 🤝: Gather at the main entrance of the British Museum, where you’ll spot our group at the tall map stand on the right (check the uploaded photo for reference 📸). Can’t find us? If you enter via Montague Place, head to the main entrance and turn around to locate the meeting point. We’ll linger for 30 minutes, giving everyone time to join the fun. Expect lively conversations and a warm welcome as you connect with fellow adventurers! 😄 * **\*Guided Tour\*** 🧭: Embark on a fascinating guided tour led by our expert guide. The tour begins with the **\*Egyptian galleries\***, where the guide will provide a brief overview of the archaeology and history, offering insights to enhance your appreciation of the artifacts. Feel free to ask questions as the guide answers queries! ❓ Next, we’ll move to the **\*\*Middle Eastern galleries\*\***, exploring the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian periods with engaging explanations. The tour concludes in the **\*\*Ancient Greek galleries\*\***, where you’ll discover the rich history and artistry of this iconic civilization. 🏛️ * **\*Explore the Museum\*** 🕵️‍♀️: After the guided tour, venture into the museum’s captivating galleries in small groups or at your leisure. Marvel at the intricate **\*\*Benin Bronzes\*\***, stand in awe of the ancient **\*\*Egyptian mummies\*\***, or ponder the mysteries of the **\*\*Lewis Chessmen\*\***. With late-night access, you’ll experience the museum’s magic in a relaxed, crowd-free setting, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and sharing your discoveries with new friends. 🌌 * **\*Reconvene at the meeting point at 8:15 PM\***. We will set off for the next venue at 8:30 PM. 🚶‍♂️ * **\*8:45 PM – Sip & Socialize\*** 🍹: The evening continues at the Zebrano Soho, 18 Greek Street, London · W1D 4DS. Arriving late? Simply ask for **\*\*ZEN\*\*** to join the group. Note: Bring your ID, and dress to impress—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers, please! 🕴️ **\#\#\# Why You Can’t Miss This 🚀** This is your chance to experience the British Museum’s timeless wonders in a fresh, social way. Whether you’re a local or visiting London, this evening promises a perfect blend of **\*\*cultural discovery\*\*, \*\*meaningful connections\*\***, and **\*\*pure fun\*\***. From the museum’s storied halls, where artifacts have inspired scholars and dreamers for centuries, to the chic ambiance of DoubleTree’s lounge and the high-energy vibes of Simmons Bar, this is a night you’ll talk about for years to come! **\#\#\# Important Details ℹ️** * **\*\*Dress Code\*\*:** Smart casual; no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers. 👗 * **\*\*Bring ID\*\*** for entry to the bar venues. 🆔 * **\*\*More Info\*\*:** Check the event page for additional details. 🌐 * **\*\*Join up now\*\*** \- if we have a lot of sign\-ups\, we may introduce a fee for any additional new joiners \(through the Meetup RSVP system\)\. Avoid this by signing up early\! ⏰ Don’t miss this chance to explore history, make new friends, and dance the night away in the heart of London. join us for an evening that’s as enriching as it is exhilarating! 🎉 NOTE WE HAVE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF FREE RSVPS WITH MEETUP (separate to the British Museum entry ticket). If you clicked attend and are on the attendees list it will say "you are going" in green at the bottom of the event oage. There's nothing else you need to do, you are in! AFTER THE FREE RSVPS ARE GONE THERE WILL BE A FEE. SO SIGN UP AND NOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

Join us for our first meetup! We will have a discussion on Fiat vs Bitcoin, a little bit of learning and discussions that are important to the group. This a social group so bring your questions and curiosity, prepared to listen and share. Too often, women are left out of the conversation while they prepare to live longer, care for more people and are the heart of any community. Wouldn't it be great if we could be more educated on ways to beat inflation, have more choices, and be prepared for the changes to come? Please bring your questions, so that we can plan topics for future meet-ups.

**Title**: Powering AI Through Data Modernization: Modernizing ETL with Databricks & Unity Catalog In this session, we will discuss how enterprises are modernizing their data platforms by migrating from legacy ETL tools (such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses) to Databricks Lakehouse architecture, and how Unity Catalog enables enterprise-grade governance, security, and discoverability across data and AI assets. We will start with food and drinks at 6pm and then move into the presentation at 6:30pm. The session will cover: * Why traditional ETL platforms are becoming a bottleneck for scale, cost, and AI adoption * How Databricks changes the data engineering and analytics operating mode * The role of Unity Catalog in centralized governance * How this foundation enables AI and Gene.AI use cases on trusted data * Q&A Our speaker for this event is **Hirenkumar Dholariya**. Hirenkumar Dholariya is a Senior Data Engineering Architect with 18+ years of experience modernizing enterprise data platforms for global Fortune 500 organizations, delivering up to 40% system performance improvement and 20–35% infrastructure cost reduction through large-scale migration from legacy ETL platforms to cloud-native Lakehouse architectures. He specializes in Databricks-based data engineering, Unity Catalog–driven governance, and building scalable, secure, and real-time analytics platforms. He has led multiple enterprise-wide transformations from tools such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses to Databricks, establishing governed data foundations using Unity Catalog and enabling advanced analytics and AI use cases on top of trusted data platforms. His leadership focuses on architecting durable data platforms, enabling teams to move faster with confidence, and translating data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes. *

7:30- 8 AM: Networking and Chit Chat 8 AM - 9 AM: Presentation and Q/A Topic: Making Data Actionable for AI Presenter: Dustin Wolfe Description: Lineage, Context, and Quality are table stakes for data science. Glossary, Ontology, Metadata are growth and operations accelerators

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Come join us for a Friday Fun Day! Great way to end the work week! CASH BINGO! @ the Rockville Moose Lodge Arrive early to get a seat. This will get packed. Guests must be over 50 to attend with the group. CASH is best for this event. Food and Drinks available. If you save your cup you get free refills on Soda. FREE Easy Parking This is a non reservation event Great way to meet new people while being active. If you love BINGO then come join in on the fun! RSVP today!

The Roadducks, having been around since 1976, are a legendary classic/southern variety rock band whose music brings you to life and goes down like Tennessee whiskey.... They are a MUST SEE band!!! We hope you’ll join us!!!L