Non-Fiction Writing

A small, safe space for comedy in progress. Come listen to untested jokes, try out your own material, exchange honest feedback, and support fellow comics in Dubai. This is not about polished sets — it’s about experimentation, learning, and community. We’re keeping it intimate with limited spots so everyone gets a fair chance to perform, listen, and engage. The Casa Collective, Al Quoz – Interchange 3 Ample parking available Metro: Get down at Equiti (cab) or Onpassive (Bus 110) Free entry- Limited seats Come curious. Come kind. Come support the scene.

•Costs 44 AED per person + ☕ Admin: •Farah: 0555778561 Follow our Instagram page [ https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_lin](https://instagram.com/winner_dinner0?utm_medium=copy_link) Kindly note: Showing up without informing the admin or joining the WhatsApp group is strictly not allowed and could lead to a ban from the group. 🚫🚫?

**Wind down and let go!** Join us for a rejuvenating **FREE** Moonlight Stretch and Relaxing Yoga session at the peaceful **Eternal Wellness Yoga Studio**. This is your perfect opportunity to **transform** the end of your day from stressed and busy to calm, relaxed, and restored. Book your session now: [WhatsApp Us](https://wa.me/971543837625) *Note: MONDAY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY \- ONLY LADIES \| TUESDAY THURSDAY & SATURDAY \- MEN ALSO WELCOME* **[1st Session will be FREE]**

Hi ! 🌯 🗓️ EVERY MONDAY 🕛 12 PM to 5 PM 📍 Querida, Al Barsha Buy 1 Burrito, Get 1 FREE! 🎁 ALL THAT FOR 55 AED!! Every burrito is a bold flavor bomb: 🥑 Creamy avocado 🥣 Slow-cooked beans 🍅 Fresh salsa 🧀 Melty cheese Choose your filling: Calabacita & Caramelized Onion 🌱 • Mushroom Tinga 🌱 • Rajas con Elote 🌱 • Frijoles Refritos con Queso 🌱 • Tinga • Asada • Salpicon • Chorizo de Pollo / Vegetarian 🌱 • Camarones Gobernador • Pescado Frito • Birria • Querida Pastor Order 1. Get 1 Offer valid for dine in and local delivery !

We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

**Important rules:** **Event is free.** BUT: **15AED Fine on next event** \- If you have made reservation and didn't come and didn't cancel\. You can cancel your registration in our whatsapp chat\. **15AED** if you come without reservation or stay in waitlist. Since the event is free It's very important **to make order for some drink** or food and pay for it before you leave cafe. If you stay in waitlist and want to attend to event for free write me in whatsapp +971 58 8859650 **Topiс for event:** Ussualy we do not have any special topic for conversation. But sometimes it good idea to speak on defined topic. You need choose from site **[http://iteslj.org/questions/](http://iteslj.org/questions/)** topic of Conversation Questions and will be ready to answer on several question. **General information.** I know, You are afraid that you speak slowly and not so good. If you want to speak fluent, you need to speak every day. You need to listen conversations every day. You need to watch english movies every day. How long did you learn go by foot? But now it's easy. You need to speak. I tell you my little secret. I speak so so. And I want to speak fluent. And I created this event and this group for new english speakers:) Because I know there is complicated to find such meetings for making every day conversation.

Try out this stunning fusion style of smooth sensual moves and funky transitions in an easy-to-follow dance to classic & modern tunes. Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola, and reshaped in Portugal. It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue. New styles derived from the traditional kizomba were developed in Europe such as urban Kiz and Tarraxinha. Danced to sensual music, happy folklore or electronic trance and fuelled by passion; kizomba is one of the most versatile genres that will help you express your deepest emotions! AED 99 /1 class AED 599 /8 classes (monthly package!) AED 899 /16 classes (monthly package!) Book your spot NOW! 8 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/pabEn 16 classes https://moovnation.zbni.co/u/w7hbw For enquiries call/text 055 803 4003

You don’t need more ideas. You need the right space to start. ✍️ Introducing **The Writers’ Room by Primexar** — a focused writing experience designed to help you turn your ideas into real progress. 📚 Share your idea 🗣️ Get real feedback ✍️ Sit down and actually write No distractions. Just momentum. ✨ **Be part of our first session — April 24th** 🚨 Limited spots 60 AED Early Bird 85 AED General Admission * **This is a paid event. Payment is required to confirm your spot. You will receive the payment link after RSVP** * **This is not a teaching workshop. It’s a guided writing space with feedback and support.**

اقترح الكتاب ويدير الحوار حازم ابراهيم الكتاب يتوفر مطبوعا والكترونيا (يرجى متابعة الرابط للتفاصيل) صدرت في السنوات القليلة الماضيّة عشرات الكتب التي تحمل عناوين: "كن قويّا"، "كوني قويّة"، "كيف تكون إنسانًا قويًّا؟"، "كيف تبني شخصيّة قويّة؟"، "كن قويًّا بالإيمان"، إلخ... لكن... بصرف النظر عن تلك الكتب، وعمّا يقوله الأطباء والمحلّلون النفسانيون، وخبراء التنمية البشرية، والواعظون... فإنّ الفلسفة، بمعناها العميق والأصيل، تقول شيئًا آخر: لا تحاول أن تكون قويًا، لا تحاول أن تظهر بمظهر القوّة، لا تحاول أن تتحكّم في كل الأمور المحيطة بك... فالحياة لا تقوم على القوة بل على الأسلوب، وعلى التكيّف، وعلى المرونة. القوّة منزع ذكوريّ، وإيديولوجيّ، إنه وهمٌ بدائيٌّ، لا يزال كامنًا في لا وعي الإنسان من حياته البدائية، يظهر جليًا في معارك السلطة والحظوة والشهرة والدين، إلّا أنه وهمٌ يُضيّع متعة الأسلوب والتفاصيل، ويُدمّر جودة الحياة. إنه ينهك روحك، يستنزف جسدك ويُسبب الشقاء للكثيرين. هذا الكتاب الذي يحمل رسائل إلى الذين يعتبرون أنفسهم المعذبين في الأرض... وغير المحظوظين... والضعفاء... هو محاولة لبرهنة أن ليس في الضعف أي مشكلة؛ بل المشكلة في اعتبار أن الضعف هو المشكلة. وهو أيضًا دليلك لأجل أن تتصالح مع ضعفك، وأن تستثمر الطاقة الكامنة والهائلة في كل نقاط ضعفك إذا كنت لا تريد أن تخسر معارك حياتك. نقد القوة: رسائل فلسفيّة إلى الضعفاء - سعيد ناشيد دار التنوير ٢٠٢٤ [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240707522](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240707522) نقد القوة: رسائل فلسفيّة إلى الضعفاء- سعيد ناشيد ‏اقرأ الكتاب على تطبيق ابجد https://www.abjjad.com/book/2817654792 كيف أحصل على الكتاب؟ مكتبة غاف التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971527798773 سعيد (متجر لتوصيل الكتب داخل الإمارات) التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971508386699 تطبيق أبجد على الآيفون والآندرويد [https://www.abjjad.com/](https://www.abjjad.com/) Kinokuniya [https://uae.kinokuniya.com/](https://uae.kinokuniya.com/) مؤسسة هنداوي [https://www.hindawi.org](https://www.hindawi.org) Storytel [https://www.storytel.com](https://www.storytel.com) نيل وفرات المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://www.neelwafurat.com/](https://www.neelwafurat.com/) وراقون المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://wrraqoon.com/](https://wrraqoon.com/) Google Play الكتب على متجر [https://play.google.com/store/books](https://play.google.com/store/books) Amazon الكتب على متجر [https://www.amazon.ae/](https://www.amazon.ae/) Virgin الكتب على متجر [https://www.virginmegastore.ae/](https://www.virginmegastore.ae/) Iqraa shelves on goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694) Iqraa on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/](https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/) Iqraa on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai)

Whether you want to journal your thoughts, do a brain dump, experiment with words, or simply sit and write, just show up. Bring your notebook or laptop and join us. We’ll sit quietly and write, maybe chat a little after. It’s an invitation to consume less and create more with words, whether to process, reflect, or share with the world. Whatsapp group link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DK9JcD6RbPqIj6Et8Ce4uj?mode=gi_t

**The Islands of the Moon, Comoros**, are a small cluster of volcanic isles drifting between Africa and Madagascar, blending African and Arab cultures with a French accent. The name "Comoros" comes from the Arabic **word Qamar, meaning moon**, **a name given by old sailors** who saw something magical in these shores. And in many ways, the moon still fits in a distant, beautiful reference, that’s always pulling the tides and the past together. Their flag proudly flies four stars, even though only three of the islands are truly part of the country today. **The fourth star belongs to Mayotte**, **which chose to stay with France** after independence in 1975, despite the rest of the islands voting to break away. Still, Comoros keeps Mayotte on the flag, not just out of habit, but out of hope, memory, and maybe a little stubbornness too. **The four islands of the Comoros are home to 500 plant species, 21 bird species, 9 reptile species, and 2 species of fruit bats** that are found only in this archipelago. However, deforestation has caused significant changes to the landscape and threatens the survival of these rare plant and animal species. The Comoros are reminiscent of Madagascar. Most of the species found in the Comoros are related to those from the "eighth continent" (Madagascar) and Africa. A small number also originate from Asia. **The archipelago was formed by volcanic activity.** The oldest island is Mayotte, and the youngest is Grande Comore. It is on this last island that eruptions of the Karthala volcano (over 2,300 masl) still occur. Today Comoros enjoy their independence to the full extent. Since gaining independence, the **islands have changed hands many times, experiencing over 20 coups**, more than the number of years under stable governance. It has rightfully earned the nickname **“the Coup Capital of the World.”** **Country has zero traffic lights** and roads are so chill and bumpy that no one bothers. Locals say, "We have goats and patience instead." Thanks to vast ylang-ylang plantations, parts of the islands literally smell like perfume., the air is often scented with flowers and yes, people do stop and sniff the air. In fact, this cousin of custard apple with yellowish flowers is a key ingredient in luxury perfumes, ie. Channel no. 5. Although the plant came to the Comoros from the much larger Indonesia, it is the African country that is the largest producer of ylang-ylang oil, an important ingredient in many perfumes. The Comoros is also the second largest producer of vanilla in the world. Despite being a sovereign nation, the Comorian franc is still tied to the euro and printed in France. However, in rural areas, vanilla and cloves are so valuable they’re sometimes used in bartering. The Livingstone’s fruit bat and Comoros drongo are among the national wildlife symbols. Bat curry is still a local delicacy in some villages. They're fruit bats, and apparently... "tastes like chicken," **But in a background, it is still an untouched tropical paradise** where volcanic peaks meet coral reefs, ancient Islamic culture shapes daily life with a quiet rhythm of tradition and hospitality. Spice-scented beachside villages with sacred mosques blend seamlessly with passing sea turtles and whales, all moving to the gentle rhythm of island time. Inshallah, it could be your perfect off-the-beaten-path adventure: **raw, real, and refreshingly undiscovered.** **Let’s go!** **Day 1 // Grande Comore: The Historic Town of Itsandra** Arrival to Moroni International, immigration and check–in to our beach side hotel. After short refreshment head out to discover the historic town of Itsandra. Once the beating heart of Swahili civilization on the island of Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Itsandra has roots stretching back to the 14th century. It was once the capital of the island and its first seaport, a hub where merchants and travelers converged. Today, remnants of this vibrant past still linger. The fortress of the 17th century, once linked to the city by a walled corridor, stands proudly, while fragments of ramparts dotted with observation holes whisper tales of bygone days. The Arab quarter, with its mausoleum of Al Habib Omar Bin Sumet and centuries-old mosques, offers a spiritual glimpse into the island’s layered past. As you stroll through public squares framed by monumental gates, you’ll feel the timeless rhythm of a place where history and community converge. Before returning, we’ll explore a local handcrafts shop, where fine woodcarvings and artisanal creations celebrate the artistry of the Comorian people. **Day 2 // Mohéli: a UNESCO Paradise** The morning begins with an early transfer to Ouroveni, in the south of Grande Comore, where a boat ride carries us across the ocean to Mohéli. Known as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mohéli is the smallest and most untouched of the Comoros islands, home to lemurs, coral reefs, and uninhabited islets brimming with life. Short coastal drive to beachfront bungalows, set against a backdrop of rainforest and turquoise sea. Time to relax and indulge into paradise. As dusk settles, massive green turtles emerge from the ocean, hauling themselves ashore to dig nests and lay eggs under the moonlight. With a bit of luck, we may also witness tiny hatchlings breaking free and scrambling toward the waves, a moving reminder of the fragile wonders of nature. **Day 3 // Mohéli: Waterfalls and Whales** The day begins with a forest hike to Wallah’s hidden waterfalls. Following a clear mountain stream, we’ll ascend into the rainforest until we reach a double cascade tumbling into a natural pool. Here, you can take a refreshing swim and even snorkel among freshwater fish and small eels, while the sounds of the forest create a soothing harmony. The seas surrounding Moheli offers many marvels. We’ll set off for a boat trip to reveal Mohéli’s seven uninhabited islands, their deserted beaches, and coral reefs teeming with a tropical you-name-it-fish, an unforgettable snorkelling paradise in a UNESCO sanctuary. **Day 4 // Grande Comore South** After breakfast return by boat to Grande Comore, docking once more at Ouroveni. From here, the southern coast unfolds in a tapestry of culture and volcanic landscapes. In Chindini, the gateway to Mohéli, we’ll enjoy a short tour before continuing to Singani village. Here, the scars of the 1977 volcanic eruption remain visible. The lava that once devastated the community has now become the very material with which its people rebuilt, a striking symbol of resilience. Later, in Iconi, the former sultan’s capital, history reveals itself in dramatic form. From its volcanic cliffs, women once leapt to escape enslavement by Malagasy pirates. At the heart of town, the coral and lava palace of Kaviri Djewé still stands, while the bangwes (the traditional meeting squares) echo with centuries of community debates. Beyond the medina lies Lake Marabou, a tidal pool fringed with mangroves, where birds nest under the towering presence of Mount Karthala. **Day 5 // Mount Karthala (2,361m)** Today, the adventure reaches new heights with a trekkup Mount Karthala, the largest active volcano in the world. From Mvouni village, vehicles take us partway up the slopes, before we hit a 6k trail (700 m altitude). The trail winds through lush forest and volcanic rock, eventually opening onto the vast caldera at the summit. Here, steam vents rise from the earth, and the crater within a crater offers a breathtaking reminder of the island’s geological power. A picnic lunch at the rim allows time to absorb the view of the island below, of the endless sea beyond, and of the raw forces that continue to shape Comoros. It’s definitely one of the most spectacular hikes in the Indian Ocean. **Day 6 // Grande Comore North** Today we are set to explore the scenic northern coast and its volcanic history. As we follow the western coast we will see where lava flows enter the sea and how the mangrove forests are now growing in the lava beds. One of the day’s highlights is the island’s largest baobab tree, so huge a dozen visitors can stand inside its hollow trunk. From there, we continue to two volcanic craters: Lac Salé, whose mineral waters are said to hold healing powers, and the Dragon’s Back, a submerged crater whose curving rim forms a dramatic peninsula. In Bangwa Kouni village, we’ll visit the “Miraculous Mosque,” said to have appeared overnight, as well as the tombs of some of the earliest Arab travelers to the islands. Lunch today is at Trou du Prophète, a tranquil bay shaded by baobabs, followed by time to relax on Maloudja Beach, where the coconut palms lean gracefully toward the sea. Unfortunately, it’s time to bid farewell to Comoros. It will not be easy to wave bye-bye and transfer to airport for flight back home… **Activities:** Trekking, boating, snorkelling, sightseeing, encounter of wildlife, cultural immersion. **Accommodation & meals:** beach side 4 star hotel and lodge - shared rooms. Meals on Moheli included. **Cost:** **7,100 AED** excl. flights until APR 17. **Flights by Ethiopian, you can use any alternative connection.** **Specifically excluded:** Insurance, visa, meals on Grand Comore. **Visa:** Nationals of any country can obtain a visa on arrival. **Note:** Wildlife spotting can not be guaranteed. See yah in Comoros xx Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](docs@trekkup.com)

## Details ## **Join Us Now for Free**⬇️ [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUMPjSKnLLPENuWmEcbm0J?mode=wwt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUMPjSKnLLPENuWmEcbm0J?mode=wwt) Welcome to **Tablon Academy!** *Where Founders learn, pitch, & grow!* Get ready to: Learn how to scale your startup. ✅Gain insights from global investors & mentors. Connect with like-minded founders. Get investor-ready with expert guidance. Join live session that trun idea into impact. We Welcome to you to Tablon Academy **Learn. Pitch. Fund. Grow.**

Confimed trip ongoing Ready to trade the city for cliffs, pools, and pure adrenaline? This is your ticket to an epic weekend of abseiling, canyoning, swimming, and off-road adventure deep inside the Hajar Mountains. It’s wild, it’s fun, it’s challenging—and honestly, it’s the kind of trip you’ll be talking about long after it ends. Come for the adventure, stay for the memories. Duration: Friday – Saturday Starting Point: Muscat Difficulty Level: ★★★★★ (5/5 – Extreme) Recovery Day: Sunday (you’ll need it) The Concept Hidden deep within the rugged landscapes of the Mountains, this canyon only reveals its true beauty after rainfall—a rare event in Oman. Unlike permanent wadis such as other oman wadis, this route transforms temporarily: Dry rock corridors become flowing water systems Natural basins turn into deep turquoise pools The canyon becomes alive for a short window only Miss it—and it’s gone. Cost : 1280 aed ( included 1 night muscat hotel, food, all equipment required, of road vechile transport between in and exit points, Certified guides The Day 1 – Friday | Into the Wild 05:00 AM – Departure from Muscat Early start. Convoy energy. This is not a casual trip—it’s a mission. 07:30 AM – Off-Road Entry We leave the asphalt behind and enter rugged terrain shaped by flash floods and erosion over thousands of years. 09:00 AM – Canyon Entry & Safety Setup Harnesses on. Helmets secured. Final briefing. From here—you are fully committed. Phase 1: Vertical World Technical abseiling down multiple canyon drops Rock scrambling and tight navigation Descending through dramatic rock formations Phase 2: Water & Pools Swimming across deep natural pools Floating through narrow canyon corridors Optional controlled jumps into clear basins These waters appear only after rainfall—clear, fresh, and surreal. 03:30 PM – Deep Canyon Camp Camp is set in total isolation, surrounded by towering canyon walls. Tents setup Fire preparation Time to rest and absorb the experience Evening – The Wild Camp Experience Sunset between cliffs Simple camp dinner Silence, stars, and stories With no light pollution, the night sky here is one of the clearest in Oman. Day 2 – Saturday | The Exit Challenge 06:00 AM – Canyon Wake-Up Cool air. Still water. First light hitting the cliffs. 07:00 AM – Breakfast & Pack Up Refuel. The toughest stretch is ahead. Phase 3: The Final Push Advanced abseiling sections Long and technical hiking terrain Final swimming passages and climbs This is where endurance, focus, and teamwork come together. 01:00 PM – Canyon Exit You’ve completed something few ever attempt. 02:30 PM – Return to Vehicles 06:00 PM – Arrival Back to Muscat The Experience A complete adventure package: Abseiling Canyoning Swimming Hiking Off-roading Wild camping All in one intense, unforgettable journey. Important Notes Extreme difficulty (5/5) Requires strong physical fitness Must be comfortable with heights and swimming Not suitable for beginners Final Thought In Oman, many wadis are beautiful. Few are challenging. Almost none offer this level of rarity, intensity, and reward. This is not a trip you repeat. This is a story you carry. Ummq Bear Adventure — Do it once. Remember it forever

Join us for a discussion of ***Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives* by Siddharth Kara** Here's the summary: An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all. Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt. Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

Join us for a discussion of ***The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders* by Sarah Aziza** Here's the summary: With the lucidity of a poet and the precision of a journalist, Sarah Aziza embarks on a quest to understand her family legacy, tracing three generations of diasporic Palestinians—from Gaza to the Midwest to New York City, and beyond In October 2019, Sarah Aziza, daughter and granddaughter of Gazan refugees, is hospitalized for an eating disorder. This brush with death becomes a rupture which brings both her personal and ancestral past into vivid presence. The hauntings begin in the hospital cafeteria, when a cup of apricot yogurt stirs the taste of Sarah's childhood, summoning the familiar voice of her deceased Palestinian grandmother. In the months following, as she responds to a series of ghostly dreams, Sarah unearths family secrets that force her to confront the ways her own trauma and anorexia echo generations of Palestinian displacement and erasure—and how her fight to recover builds on a century of defiant survival, and love. As silences break, heartbreak opens onto possibility. Sarah begins to grasp the ways her legacies echo and inform one another—through tragedy, and through love. She begins to resist the forces of assimilation, denial, and patriarchy, learning to assert herself in new ways that honor both her ancestors and herself. Weaving timelines, languages, and genres, The Hollow Half probes the contradictions and contingencies that create “history.” This stunning debut memoir ends in a cri de coeur for a world in which every body has a right to contain multitudes. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 6pm-6:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 6:15pm-7:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 7:45pm-8pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Twister Talk,”** on tornadoes and advances in our understanding of them, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk) .] Springtime brings tornado outbreaks and devastation across the United States. The good news for those of us who anxiously eye the skies: Tornado science is rapidly evolving and improving, as are the means by which we detect funnel clouds and warn of their approach. Get up to speed with what’s known about tornadoes with the help of Dr. Jeffery Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post* Capital Weather Gang who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on hurricanes and snowstorms. He’ll describe how, with the help of research conducted by tornado hunters, meteorologists are using ever more sophisticated computer simulations and datasets to try to “crack the code” when it comes to how and where tornadoes form. We’ll look at how science teams wielding Portable Doppler Radars on small trucks are learning that tornado wind speeds are much stronger than once presumed. We’ll consider how decades of data are changing how we think about “Tornado Alley,” and we’ll review what’s known about the relationship between tornadoes and climate change. Professor Halverson will conclude by discussing the technological strides being made in terms of tornado warning and detection, and how tornado scientists are teaming up with social scientists to gain a better understanding of what leaves us vulnerable to natural hazards. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: An F5 tornado over Elie, Manitoba in June 2007 (Photo by Justin Hobson / Wikimedia Commons).

UPDATE 4/3: Sonny's found out today that DC Water is doing maintenance on their street on 4/8, so I have to cancel this session. Super unfortunate and I hope to see folks at the 4/22 event! Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. Bring your writing materials (such as a notebook or a charged laptop - outlets are limited.) And if you'd like to tune out other patrons at Sonny's or any overhead music, we recommend bringing headphones or earplugs. BEING LATE IS OKAY: Just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! When you show up, I will be sitting at a table with folded "Shut Up & Write" table cards. Say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** **WiFi name/password:** Name - Sonny's/Doubles Guest; Password - pingpong **Travel / Parking info:** Sonny's is on the D40/D4X bus line and about a 15 minute walk from either the Columbia Heights or Georgia Ave/Petworth metro lines. There is limited on-street parking. **Venue Guidelines:** Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.