Iranian Intellectuals

## 🍷 The Five-Minute Salon: Ideas, Rants & Revelations **An Evening of Short Talks & Lively Discussion** This is a salon-style discussion night for curious minds who enjoy thoughtful conversation, respectful disagreement, and a glass of wine. The format is simple, structured, and fun: **short talks, followed by open discussion** — no lectures, no panels, and no pressure to be an expert. If you like listening to interesting people think out loud — and doing the same yourself — this night is for you. *** ### 🕰 How the Evening Works Guests who wish to speak will each get: * **5 minutes** to talk about *any* topic that interests them (an idea, a question, a rant, something they know a lot about, or something they can’t stop thinking about) * **5 minutes** of group discussion immediately after You’re welcome to **bring notes or a couple of slides if that helps**, or you can **completely wing it** — both are equally encouraged. No preparation is required. You can decide your topic in advance or on the night. *** ### 💬 Example Topics (to Inspire You) You’re free to bring *any* topic. To give you a flavour, here are the kinds of things people often talk about: #### 🔥 Big, Provocative, Curiosity-Hooking * “A belief I held for years that completely collapsed” * “Something we’re all pretending is normal that absolutely isn’t” * “An opinion I’m slightly embarrassed to admit — but I think I’m right” * “A question that keeps me up at night” * “The strongest argument *against* my own position” * “A problem that would mostly disappear if we talked about it honestly” * “A hill I will die on — intellectually, not literally” #### 🧠 Politics, Culture & Society * “Is democracy actually compatible with social media?” * “Why housing feels broken even when the numbers ‘improve’” * “Has tolerance quietly turned into indifference?” * “Is the culture war mostly a distraction?” * “What will future generations judge us for?” * “Are we confusing progress with motion?” #### 🧬 Psychology, Identity & Human Behaviour * “Why smart people fall for obviously bad ideas” * “Is therapy making us better — or just more self-focused?” * “The lie we tell ourselves about happiness” * “Are we becoming more narcissistic, or just more honest?” * “Why we defend beliefs we don’t really believe” * “Is ‘being authentic’ overrated?” #### 🤖 Tech, Work & the Future * “What AI will actually change — and what it won’t” * “Is work still the centre of a meaningful life?” * “Why productivity culture makes us miserable” * “Would you want a frictionless life if you could have one?” * “Are we outsourcing too much thinking?” #### 🎭 Philosophy, Meaning & Life * “Is meaning discovered or invented?” * “What would a good life look like if no one was watching?” * “Is comfort the enemy of depth?” * “What do we owe strangers?” * “If you could erase one human trait, should you?” #### 🍷 Personal & Salon-Style * “Something I’ve never said out loud in a group like this” * “A time I was very wrong — and didn’t notice for years” * “A contradiction I live with” * “A question I hope someone else answers tonight” * “Why this topic matters more than people realise” Vent if you want. Teach if you want. Ask if you want. *** ### 🧠 Salon Etiquette To keep the night enjoyable and balanced for everyone: * Please respect the **5-minute time limits** * No interruptions during talks * Discussion > monologues * Disagreement is welcome; dominance is not * Attack ideas, not people The host will gently keep time and help the discussion flow. *** ### 🍷 Food & Drink * Wine drinking encouraged (BYOB to share) * Light snacks provided * Feel free to bring something extra if you’d like *** ### 📍 Location Address will be sent by **private message** to approved attendees. 1-minute walk from **Borough Station** / 8-minute walk from **London Bridge**. *** ### ⚠️ Important * **VERY LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE** * **RSVP is mandatory** * Address is sent **only by PM on Meetup** * Please ensure your Meetup notifications are turned on *** If you enjoy thoughtful conversation, hearing many perspectives in one evening, and a relaxed salon atmosphere — we’d love to have you. 🍷🕯️

**Association of Black Humanists Book Club Meeting** We are delighted to invite members to our next Book Club gathering, where we’ll be discussing ***Spirituality Before Religions: Unseen Science and Seen Spirituality*** by **Prof. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene**. This book challenges us to explore African-centred understandings of spirituality, science, consciousness, and human meaning. It’s a powerful invitation to interrogate what spirituality can look like outside dogma—and what it has meant for Black people historically and today. As Black humanists, this conversation sits right at the intersection of culture, reason, history, and liberation. Expect a rich, respectful discussion, critical reflection, and space for diverse perspectives. The book confronts one of the most enduring legacies of colonial domination: the erasure and distortion of African knowledge systems. Long before imposed religions, our ancestors engaged deeply with science, consciousness, spirituality, and the natural world—without dogma, without fear, and without submission. Date: Saturday, 7th March 2026 Time: 4pm Where: 55 Square Bar & Restaurants, 126 Barking Rd, London E16 1EN

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed weekly night for drinks, conversation, and meeting other lesbian and bisexual women in real life. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most weeks it’s a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person arriving for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make it easy to settle in without pressure. There’s no requirement to drink, talk constantly, or impress anyone. You can arrive quietly, chat a bit, sit back, or leave early. All of that is fine. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first event and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a **female-only lesbian space**. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/meet-mingle/](https://thelcommunity.com/meet-mingle/) **Arriving and support** Table booking is under the name **Jenny**. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point — days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

An opportunity to come together in the blessed month of Ramadan to break-fast at a cozy South Asian spot in Whitechapel. Full course: Samosa, ¼ chicken, lamb curry, chicken curry, pillow rice/white rice, dhal curry, salad, drink, dessert. 1️⃣ Joing the waiting list 2️⃣ Make the payment (see details below) 3️⃣You'll be added to the going list *(depending on capacity - first pay/first come).* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 💳 ❌ £21 (Deadline passes) *PLEASE MAKE SURE NO FEE IS CHARGED (Send as Friends & Family / otherwise ask for bank details).* ⌛ Deadline: Sunday 1st March 4:00pm Message via below with your **Meetup** name once you've made the payment and you will be added to the going list *(if there is still availability otherwise you will be refunded).* [My Whatsapp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b) *ℹ️ This event is hosted at cost: We are unable to issue refunds but you can often find someone to replace your spot if you cannot attend.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Closest Station: **Whitehapel Station** (Elizabeth line; the Windrush line of the London Overground; and the District and Hammersmith & City lines) **TBC:** Meet at the venue or outside **Whitecapel Station** by **5:30pm** (5 mins walk from station). **Iftar/Maghrib is at 5:54pm.** *The address of the venue will be posted near the time.* Prayer: We have space at the venue to pray and Whitechapel mosque is just 5 minutes walk. **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)*

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

'A sane person to an insane society must appear insane.' - Kurt Vonnegut 'Insanity is the only sane reaction to an insane society.' - Thomas Szasz 'Madness is a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.' - R. D. Laing Imagine if everyone in the world except you suddenly got antisocial personality disorder or some other. Committing crimes and manipulating people became the new normal. You try to fit in but you can't help but feel bad every time you manipulate someone. How long would you last in such a world? What if people with personality disorders just have different personalities? Why is it that some people with personality disorders don't think there's anything wrong with them? Have you been diagnosed with a personality disorder or some other mental condition? Is everyone urging you to change even though you feel like there's nothing wrong with you and everyone else is in the wrong? Does therapy just feel like gaslighting? Then let's talk about the philosophy behind personality disorders.

🌙 Another opportunity to walk to Regent's Park Mosque and participate in their free Iftar, pray Maghrib and then walk to the Ramadan Lights which is in it's 5th year in London 🏮 **Important:** We need to arrive 30-40 minutes before Maghrib prayer to collect our iftar parcels, after breaking fast, we pray Maghrib, then exactly 25 minutes after Maghrib Fard prayer ends, we meet outside for the walk to the Ramadan lights. Alternatively you can stay at the mosque for Tarweeh. *There is also a restaurant in the basement where you can purchase additional food.* 🟢 **WALK:** 📏9km (5.6 miles): 🕌 ➕ 📏 3.5km (2 miles): 🏮 💓 Av.Pace 5km/h ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* ⏳ Meet from **2:50pm** 📍 Outside **Angel Station** (Northern Line) ⌚ Walk starts **3:11pm** **sharp insh'Allah** *(Magrib: 5:56pm)* ↪️ Start: **Angel Station** 🕌 Iftar: **Regents Park Mosuqe** ↩️ Ends: **Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus** ➡️ Covers: Regent's Canal > Camden > Primrose Hill > Regent' Park, Regent's Park Mosque / > Ramadan Lights 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes. At least some food to open fast (in case food parcels are short/we are late) 🚻 Regent's Park Mosque ⛑️ You are responsible for your own safety and your own belonging at all times. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* ``` 🚦 Walk/Hike Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging ```

Arabic Through Literature and Current Affairs One Thousand and One Nights & Contemporary Arabic Discussion Lesson Duration 2 hours per session • Hour 1: Literary Arabic (Reading & Translation) • Hour 2: Modern Arabic (Conversation & Debate on Current Affairs) ⸻ HOUR 1 — Arabic Literature (60 minutes) Objectives • Develop reading fluency in classical/standard Arabic • Understand literary structures and stylistic devices • Produce accurate and elegant translations Structure 1️⃣ Context & Vocabulary (10 min) • Brief cultural or historical background • Key vocabulary (classical, rare, idiomatic) 2️⃣ Guided Reading (20 min) • Reading aloud by teacher and students • Grammatical and stylistic explanations • Focus on: • Verb patterns • Sentence rhythm • Narrative connectors 3️⃣ Analysis (15 min) • Themes and moral lessons • Character roles • Narrative techniques • Links to broader Arabic literary traditions 4️⃣ Translation Workshop (15 min) • Collective translation • Discuss: • Literal vs literary translation • Register and tone • Alternative renderings HOUR 2 — Current Affairs Conversation (60 minutes) Objectives • Build spoken fluency in Modern Standard Arabic • Learn contemporary political, social, and media vocabulary • Express opinions clearly and confidently Structure 1️⃣ Warm-up & Vocabulary (10 min) • Key terms from: • News headlines • Social media discourse • Political or cultural debates 2️⃣ Listening / Reading Input (10 min) • Short news clip or article (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, etc.) • Identify main ideas and key arguments 3️⃣ Guided Discussion (30 min) Possible formats: • Open discussion • Structured debate • Role-play (journalist / analyst / public opinion) • Comparison with students’ countries Discussion skills: • Expressing agreement/disagreement • Clarifying opinions • Polite debate language 4️⃣ Reflection & Correction (10 min) • Correct common mistakes • Reformulate students’ answers in refined Arabic • Highlight strong expressions Homework (Light & Effective) Meeting at Pret A Manger 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **paranormal.** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee. Hosted by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and insights from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, obviously no sprituality event woul be complete without practical tools so there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? Molecular Biologists have shown that just like plants - our cells give off resonant frequencies between 10 & 180 kilohertz - could this be a source of non-verbal communication like telepathy? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** boost **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) naturally vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSDand if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? Was **Abraham Lincolm** precognizant when he dreamt his own fatal assignation? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do NDEs suggest something beyond physicality? Were Steve Jobs final words "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow" before he died (New York Times) visions of an afterlife or just neurochemical changes / drugs playing tricks? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling, Va., to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. It also is being staged at Penn Social in DC on March 16th and plenty of tickets remain available for that date.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Terrors of Irish Fairylore,”** an introduction to Ireland’s strange and unsettling folkloric “Good People,” with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University, co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and co-author of the new book *Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors) .] Today it is common to think of fairies as small, childlike, sparkly creatures with glittering wings and dresses made from flower petals. But the fae of traditional Irish folklore were no such things. Amoral, capricious, even malicious when they chose to be, the too-frequently forgotten fairies of times long past would, more often than not, haunt nightmares. Join Brittany Warman, a folklorist who has earned a devoted following among Profs and Pints fans, as she explores the darker side of Irish fairylore. The figures she'll discuss include: The Leanan-Sidhe, a vampiric fairy who gives artistic inspiration in exchange for your mortal spirit. The Dullahan, a fairy with a human spine for a whip and a habit of hurtling across fields in a death coach made from human skin. The Banshee, a mournful fairy whose cry signals a death in the family to which she's attached herself. Dr. Warman also will examine the surprising impact of fairy folklore on two classics of Irish Gothic literature, Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray* and Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* It’s a talk that will remind you that the relationship between the Irish and the spooky stretches well beyond Halloween. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “The Banshee Appears,” an 1862 illustration by Robert Prowse (Wicklow Heritage / Public domain).

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“A Practical Guide to Social Change,”** a research-based look at how communities bring about reform and progress, with Marissa Robinson, founder of Real Health Impact LLC and an adjunct professor at George Washington University who teaches courses focused on public health leadership and social change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change) .] Systems built on inequality rarely transform without deliberate pressure from the people most committed to justice, because progress takes coordination, conviction and willingness to change what has always been accepted. Real change starts when people choose to move together. Learn what research and experience say about how to make real social progress with Dr. Marissa Robinson, a public health practitioner who previously worked in federal agencies coordinating global and national public health initiatives focused on infectious diseases, HIV, and health equity. Among the key questions she’ll tackle: How do communities overcome barriers to create real change? When should evidence guide decisions and when does context matter more? She’ll discuss established frameworks for moving from intention to measurable progress and talk about the importance of building coalitions that actually work and of making decisions grounded in real data. You’ll learn about the importance of testing ideas on a small scale before going big, as well as how to use rapid feedback loops and continuous improvement cycles to refine approaches and scale what truly works. Dr. Robinson will share stories of ordinary people and communities who refused to accept the status quo and pushed through real barriers to achieve breakthrough results. She’ll talk about practical strategies, usable frameworks, and evidence-based examples that people can apply immediately in their own communities and organizations to support change that lasts. If you have dreamed about bringing about progress in your world, this talk will give you the clarity, direction, and confidence it takes to turn such dreams into reality. ( Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

…Carroll, 304 pages [Physics] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=611358 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review Praise for Quanta and Fields: “Readers will be electrified by his discussion of wave functions, entanglement, fields, and so much more. From the most infinitesimal of subatomic particles to the seemingly vast infinities of the universe’s great expanse, Carroll’s latest inquiry illuminates, well, everything.” —Booklist "In that void between hand-wavy popular science and academic textbook, this modern, informative and engaging account of quantum physics ticks all the boxes. Carroll the Explainer at his very best." —Jim Al-Khalili ### About the Author Sean Carroll is Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, and Fractal Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute. He is host of the Mindscape podcast, and author of From Eternity to Here, The Particle at the End of the Universe, The Big Picture, and Something Deeply Hidden. He has been awarded prizes and fellowships by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the American Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of London, and many others. He lives in Baltimore with his wife, writer Jennifer Ouellette.

Today's Meaningful Conversation explores the role of spirituality in eradicating and healing from the spiritual disease of racism. We will begin our exploration of this topic with a selection of passages from the Bahá’í Writings, which will help us consider the following questions: * How does a spiritual outlook on racism help us better understand and address this vital issue? * What changes in mind and heart will offer an effective antidote to racism? * How can each of us contribute to true and lasting healing and transformation? *“If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to mankind…”*

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

This training is designed for real estate agents who want to learn how to play the Agent Investor game. The goal of this training is to help you flip your income into ownership. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Traditional buyers transact once every 7–10 years. Investors transact 3–10 times a year.** If you want predictable income, consistent deal flow, and a long-term wealth ecosystem, you don’t need more leads—you need a better list: a database of committed investors who buy repeatedly. The Investor Goldmine teaches you how to build, grow, and activate an investor database that becomes your most valuable asset in real estate. Instead of competing for one-time transactions, you position yourself as the Agent Investor—someone who understands strategy, leverage, and wealth building. In this session, you’ll learn the proven systems to build your investor list from scratch, including: * Where to network to meet real investors already buying * A simple “one lunch a week” strategy to build relationships fast * How to use giving and social currency to become the trusted connector * How absentee owners and business owners can become your best investor pipeline * Why community accelerates database growth—even if you don’t run one You’ll also get a clear activation plan to start growing and converting your investor database immediately. Because the model is simple: Build the list. Call the list. Market to the list. And your income becomes repeatable. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.