Literature

*USA Today* National Bestseller. There's a war against truth... and if we don't win it, intellectual freedom will be a casualty. The West’s commitment to freedom, reason, and true liberalism has never been more seriously threatened than it is today by the stifling forces of political correctness. Dr. Gad Saad, the host of the enormously popular YouTube show THE SAAD TRUTH, exposes the bad ideas—what he calls “idea pathogens”—that are killing common sense and rational debate. Incubated in our universities and spread through the tyranny of political correctness, these ideas are endangering our most basic freedoms—including freedom of thought and speech. The danger is grave, but as Dr. Saad shows, politically correct dogma is riddled with logical fallacies. We have powerful weapons to fight back with—if we have the courage to use them. A provocative guide to defending reason and intellectual freedom and a battle cry for the preservation of our fundamental rights, *The Parasitic Mind* will be the most controversial and talked-about book of the year. ═════ Discussion questions: TBD Facilitator: Andrii ═════ $$ Refundable deposit: We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event. Please make a **refundable** deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to [toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com](mailto:toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com), when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer. You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you! ═════ Meeting format: * We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand. * A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time. * Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.

*To join this event, you must be able to speak full sentences in Mandarin. This event is for those wanting to practice Mandarin and/or English. Here, you can chat with others and play board games in either language to improve your linguistic skills. Feel free to join our WeChat group during the event, as it is the best way to stay connected with us. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this event page. ＜中文版＞ 此活动是以聊天和玩桌游练习中文或英文，等级不限，平时有6-10位参加者。此活动微信群可在活动中加入，互相学习，天天向上。 如果您有任何疑问，请随时在活动页上留言或联系主持人

Weekly practice at Sunnyside. Bring a towel and change of clothes. Paddles and lifejackets provided. The listed start time is when the boat leaves the dock. Please allow plenty of time beforehand for traffic delays, getting changed, and warming up.

This is a ticketed event. You can register [here](https://luma.com/trajec-cte5). ​ ​In this talk, Giles Edkins looks at some experiments that shed light onto the theory of AI consciousness and welfare. We'll cover how LLMs are different from us and what we can learn about how they process information - with a few philosophical takes thrown in. ​You can watch a livestream of the talk [here](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live?utm_source=luma).

**\~Please [SIGN UP here](https://calendly.com/breathinginnature/yoga-in-nature) for free before the class\~** [Click here for a map of the exact location](https://goo.gl/maps/x1YMV41Bmhcf7chb6). My community classes in High Park are by donation, for all bodies, and no experience is required. What is yoga? We combine breath, movement and awareness, all in the healing nature of High Park. **What to bring?** * Yoga mat (optional - the grass is nice to yoga on) * Water * Weather-appropriate clothing/ blanket for relaxation We yoga rain or shine. There is shelter if we need it. [Exact location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9424Zn5G1Xf4kTEj7), close the the High Park Forest School by the North Gate (short walk from High Park Subway station, Bloor and High Park intersection). My classes are by donation, or pay what you can. It's also drop-in, so feel free to just show up. Donations can be made at the class in person, via our [Breathing in Nature Gift Economy](https://www.breathinginnature.com/gift-economy/) or e-transfer to [nici@breathinginnature.com.](http://nici@breathinginnature.com./) On average folks donate between $5-$30 per class. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 416.885.0583 If you are wondering who I am and what I do, feel free to check out my my [website](https://www.breathinginnature.com/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breathinginnature/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nicole.bohr) page, [my bio](https://www.breathinginnature.com/about/), or [my LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleczerwinski/).

Join us for an evening of French conversation at B Espresso Bar in the atrium of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music (near St. George station)!
We welcome all levels of French, and it's free\*.
Venez pratiquer votre français! \*While there is no fee to attend this event, guests are expected to purchase something from B Espresso Bar, in accordance with RCM's restrictions on usage of the cafe atrium space. **Building location:** The Royal Conservatory is at 273 Bloor St W, between Varsity Stadium and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). There are entrances off Bloor St. and Philosopher's Walk. If you enter from Bloor St through the large glass doors, follow the hallway on the left beside the staircase and turn left at the end. (Closest TTC: St. George) **Notes and restrictions:** The host may or may not attend this event. Attendees are encouraged to seat themselves at two or more adjacent tables, as needed. Please form groups of 6 people at each table; do not rearrange chairs and tables to accommodate more people, as this obstructs the narrow walking space. Guests are expected to order something from the cafe, and are asked to please refrain from bringing outside food or drink. Attendees must leave the building at 8pm when the cafe stops serving. **Contributions:** If you are a regular with us and would like to support the group, please send any contributions by e-transfer to [diskutomeetup@gmail.com.](http://diskutomeetup@gmail.com.) The yearly donation goal and amounts received year-to-date will be tracked anonymously on [this google sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GfqYsis8Cf2XGg4KsKQJsY_0Fv3bsSQHwJAxvC1Km8/edit?usp=sharing). Thank you so much for your support.

For June, we'll read the modern classic The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 294 pages First published in 1963 The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a fantastic spring afternoon involving a leisure nature and beautiful neighbourhood walk \- Includes different trails\, parks\, cafes\, ice breakers\, washroom breaks and beautiful sties to see -Our great event will continue as we hit a fabulous location for dinner, beverages and conversation (optional) -Stick around after dinner for live disco band and Dancing (optional) **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at out front of **Smoke Show** **744 Mt. Pleasant Rd)** \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at **3:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 3:30 p.m.)** This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see. More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **Saturday Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (Dinner Party, Live Disco Band, Dancing)** -A great event planned as we explore Parks, Trails, Cafes and beautiful Neighbourhoods with cool sites to see -During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another \*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air, exercise and (re) connect with some wonderful people **Bonus after our Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk:** \*Stick around after the walk for a fun Saturday evening gathering at an iconic venue with Reserved Seating, Great Menu, Beverages, Mingling, Live Band and Dancing! **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** **Date:** Saturday June 20th We will meet at out front of **Smoke Show** **744 Mt. Pleasant Rd)** \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at **3:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 3:30 p.m.)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Reading politics by Aristotle And Earthsea by Ursula Leguin

On **Sunday June 21st,** **see the final ballet of the Season - Maddaddam, a joint effort with The Royal Ballet in the UK!** To experience *MADDADDAM* is to be immersed in the imagination and unflinching moral acuity of Canada’s Margaret Atwood on subjects of rampant technological experimentation, colonialism and greed. Wayne McGregor’s 2022 co-production with The Royal Ballet brings Atwood’s post-apocalyptic MaddAddam trilogy to life, exploring themes of extinction and invention, hubris and humanity, spliced together with Atwood’s signature activism and connection to Canada. Scored by one of the greatest living composers, Max Richter, *MADDADDAM* is an unforgettable production for our time. My seat is Ring 3, Row C seat 321 and I hope there may be some takers. **Purchase Maddaddam on Sunday June 21st at 2pm.** **COST** Regular: $56 - 264 includes taxes and fees. Rush: A limited number of tickets will go on sale at 11:00am on the day of the performance, subject to availability. Discounts vary per performance. Rush tickets are limited to two per person and can be purchased over the phone at 416 345 9595 or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office, 145 Queen Street West. Meetup fee: $5 Ticket Policy: Sales are final and non-refundable. **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes, [purchase](https://my.ballet.ca/3197/3206) your ticket and post your seat number and I will move you to attending.** * If you plan to buy RUSH, please state that in your RSVP, so I can include you in the pre-mail and we can meet you. * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me at 1:45pm** **along the right glass wall, after scanning your tickets and entering The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.** **Ballet start time: 2pm** Length: 2 hours 25 mins (incl. 2 intermissions) Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

Date subject to change

Our August book will be Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Book summary: A failed robbery traps a group of strangers who end up confessing their messy, painfully human lives.

Join fellow book club members for dinner and great conversation at Yen's Cafe in Ashburn. Yen's is considered to be among the best Taiwanese Restaurants in NoVA. 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. Thank you.

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