Predictive Analytics

In this series of meetings, we'll come together to read and discuss some of the **greatest texts and essays from the fields of** **Philosophy, Politics, and Economics**: from the Nobel laureates, famous philosophers, both ancient and modern, and influential political theorists. No academic background is required! Anyone is welcome – as long as you've read the text in advance ;) All texts will be short (10-20 pages max) and easy to find upon a quick Google search. I will also make sure to share the direct links in advance. \~\~\~ This time we will read ‘The Crisis of Our Time’, a short essay / lecture by Leo Strauss, originally delivered in the early 1940s. Leo Strauss (1899–1973) was a German-Jewish political philosopher best known for his critique of modern relativism and his defense of classical political philosophy. Strauss taught for many years at the University of Chicago, where he became an influential teacher and mentor to generations of students. His major works include *Persecution and the Art of Writing*, *Natural Right and History*, and *What Is Political Philosophy?* In the essay, Strauss postulates that the modern West is undergoing **a crisis of meaning and legitimacy** caused by the abandonment of classical natural right and the **rise of historicism, relativism, and positivism**. According to Strauss, modern social science claims to be value-neutral and purely scientific, but in doing so it cannot justify moral or political principles. In turn, historicism (the idea that all values and truths are products of their historical context) undermines the possibility of objective standards of justice or the good life. As a result, modern societies lose the ability to defend liberal democracy on rational grounds, leaving them vulnerable to **nihilism, authoritarianism, or ideological fanaticism.** Strauss contrasts this with classical political philosophy (Plato, Aristotle), which openly asked normative questions about justice, virtue, and the best regime. Join us to discuss! Link: https://archive.org/details/leo-strauss-the-crisis-of-our-time-1963/ \~\~\~ **Location:** we will meet in cafes, parks, or one another's living rooms throughout the summer. Together, we will discuss the great theories and ideas; think, debate, contemplate, deliberate, and by our joint effort we will aim to get one step closer towards understanding of this world. This time we’ll meet at Justin’s home (Blahníkova 646/16). The names on the buzzer are “McCandless, Everett, Mainous,” go up to the 5th floor and if the button in the elevator gives you trouble then just ride it up to the 4th floor. **Meeting structure:** each session will begin with a brief summary of the key ideas from the reading, followed by open discussion. Please read the text in advance, make highlights, and write down any thoughts or questions that you find especially interesting and compelling. *Knowledge Will Break the Chains of Slavery* Veritas Vos Liberabit ✊

Looking to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed day full of board games? Join us at Palmovka for a cozy board-gaming meet-up open to everyone — beginners, casual players, and experienced gamers! We have a big selection of games, from easy social titles to strategic favourites. You can come alone or with friends — our community is super friendly, and we always make sure nobody sits alone. Don’t worry if you don’t know the rules — we’ll happily explain everything. ✔ Friendly atmosphere ✔ Lots of games to choose from ✔ Perfect for meeting new people ✔ Come anytime during the day ✔ No registration needed entry fee 50czk (no hour limit) Whether you want to laugh, think, or just relax after a long day, this is the perfect place to unwind and connect with others. See you at Palmovka – let’s play!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Prague.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**6-a-side Football** practice at Sportcentrum Prosek artificial grass pitch, **Indoor**. Maximum of 18 participants for 3 teams of 6. **Kick off at 17h30**. Everybody is welcome, no age, gender nor any restriction of any type to join. Cost: **160 crowns**. Please send the money using the **QR Code** stored here: https://imgur.com/a/W1Ix9gD In case of any Opt-out within 24h of the session, or no show, the payment will be due (you still can ask someone to come instead of you, as your spot will be booked)

Let's play badminton at Sports Centre Olšanka. We'll meet at 11.40 and play for 60 minutes. If you have a Multisport card please bring it along, as it will make the court free for you and also reduce the cost for others. If you don't have a Multisport card the game will cost you a maximum of 150 crowns, probably much less. I will cover the cost of the court so please bring cash to pay me. There is a small organisation fee of 20 crowns for all players to participate in this event. Racquets can be rented for 50 crowns.

Hello, we are starting SU&W at Scouts Institute this Sunday! Please find us at a table across from the cafe. The event starts at 12, and the writing starts at 12:15! We will have 45 minutes of writing, followed by a 15 minute break. Then another 45 minutes of writing. Please purchase something to support the cafe and the space ☺️ Follow us on Whatsapp! https://chat.whatsapp.com/HeZDsZNFD8BKn8JohRlbkI

Who can attend this meetup: The tour is an introduction to Prague and is mainly for expats and visitors to our city but everybody who would like to join is invited. ***Important***, please also fill in the booking form on our [website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) if you are planning to come (otherwise we will not expect you). Description: Meet us by the Powder Tower, the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Then have an educative walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the historical center of Prague. Enjoy the unique diversity of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. See some of the most interesting sites and get to know fascinating facts and legends of the 1000-year old capital of Bohemia. End the tour at the riverside 5 minutes away from the Charles Bridge, from which you can continue the tour on your own (or again with us) towards Malá Strana or Prague Castle. ====== Meeting point: We will be standing by the Powder Tower at the side of the Namestí Republiky square with a green umbrella in hand :) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tzqKpZ2945S2 Price: there is no fixed price, you will be able to decide yourself how much you value the tour. If you don't know how much is best (and can afford it) we recommend 200Kč, but it really depends on you how much you contribute. Join us also on our [Facebook profile](https://www.facebook.com/freewalkingtoursprague/) :) and if you are travelling to other cities check out our friends at the [Free Tour Community website](https://freetourcommunity.com/). For any questions, please contact us at info@freewalkingtourprague.eu. Unfortunately, the meetup application does not always send us phone notifications. Reminder - only people who booked on our [official free walking tour website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) can join the tour and if the tour shows fully booked on the website it means there are no free spots. The meetup list doesn't count in this case. We look forward to meeting you, Michal, Amanda, Lana, Iva & Chris

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Prague.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**6-a-side Football** practice at Sportcentrum Prosek artificial grass pitch, **Indoor**. Maximum of 18 participants for 3 teams of 6. **Kick off at 17h30**. Everybody is welcome, no age, gender nor any restriction of any type to join. Cost: **160 crowns**. Please send the money using the **QR Code** stored here: https://imgur.com/a/W1Ix9gD In case of any Opt-out within 24h of the session, or no show, the payment will be due (you still can ask someone to come instead of you, as your spot will be booked)

Let's play badminton at Sports Centre Olšanka. We'll meet at 11.40 and play for 60 minutes. If you have a Multisport card please bring it along, as it will make the court free for you and also reduce the cost for others. If you don't have a Multisport card the game will cost you a maximum of 150 crowns, probably much less. I will cover the cost of the court so please bring cash to pay me. There is a small organisation fee of 20 crowns for all players to participate in this event. Racquets can be rented for 50 crowns.

Hello, we are starting SU&W at Scouts Institute this Sunday! Please find us at a table across from the cafe. The event starts at 12, and the writing starts at 12:15! We will have 45 minutes of writing, followed by a 15 minute break. Then another 45 minutes of writing. Please purchase something to support the cafe and the space ☺️ Follow us on Whatsapp! https://chat.whatsapp.com/HeZDsZNFD8BKn8JohRlbkI

Who can attend this meetup: The tour is an introduction to Prague and is mainly for expats and visitors to our city but everybody who would like to join is invited. ***Important***, please also fill in the booking form on our [website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) if you are planning to come (otherwise we will not expect you). Description: Meet us by the Powder Tower, the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Then have an educative walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the historical center of Prague. Enjoy the unique diversity of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. See some of the most interesting sites and get to know fascinating facts and legends of the 1000-year old capital of Bohemia. End the tour at the riverside 5 minutes away from the Charles Bridge, from which you can continue the tour on your own (or again with us) towards Malá Strana or Prague Castle. ====== Meeting point: We will be standing by the Powder Tower at the side of the Namestí Republiky square with a green umbrella in hand :) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tzqKpZ2945S2 Price: there is no fixed price, you will be able to decide yourself how much you value the tour. If you don't know how much is best (and can afford it) we recommend 200Kč, but it really depends on you how much you contribute. Join us also on our [Facebook profile](https://www.facebook.com/freewalkingtoursprague/) :) and if you are travelling to other cities check out our friends at the [Free Tour Community website](https://freetourcommunity.com/). For any questions, please contact us at info@freewalkingtourprague.eu. Unfortunately, the meetup application does not always send us phone notifications. Reminder - only people who booked on our [official free walking tour website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) can join the tour and if the tour shows fully booked on the website it means there are no free spots. The meetup list doesn't count in this case. We look forward to meeting you, Michal, Amanda, Lana, Iva & Chris

**Theme:** *Pincher Cake* Join us for a cozy and delicious evening where we’ll bake together, share stories, and fill the room with the sweet aroma of freshly made banana bread. 👩‍🍳 **What to Expect:** We’ll teach you how to make the most delicious, soft, and flavorful banana bread — a treat you can easily recreate at home and share with your loved ones. ✨ **What to Bring:** * A great mood and a love for baking * Notes for the recipe (we’ll share all the details!) * Your curiosity and appetite Let’s laugh, bake, and enjoy the simple joy of cooking together. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, everyone is welcome! 📅 **Date:** every Sunday evening 📍 **Location:** Sophie's Hostel, Melounova 2, I.P Pavlova 🕓 \*\*Time:\*\*8pm - 10pm

*** **Description** Join us for the very first Pure Tea Tasting Prague event! Discover unique teas, meet fellow tea lovers, and enjoy a relaxing evening focused on wellness and mindful living. **What to Expect:** * Guided tasting of premium pure teas (including vegan and wellness-focused options) * Introduction to tea rituals and culture * Friendly conversation and community networking * Light healthy snacks **Agenda:** * 17:00 – Welcome & introductions * 17:15 – Tea tasting session (multiple varieties) * 18:15 – Open discussion, Q&A, and social time * 19:00 – Event close **What to Bring:** * Just your curiosity and good mood! All tea and snacks are provided. **Location:** Pure Spa, Le Palais Art Hotel, Prague (Details and directions will be sent after RSVP.) **Who Should Join:** Anyone interested in tea, wellness, or making new friends in Prague. All experience levels welcome! ***

*theme:* **Casual Group Psychoanalysis - healthy repression?** Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish **2nd Floor food court dining area** **Whole Foods Boro Tysons Corner** 1635 Boro Place McLean, VA 22102 **Whole Foods** is off Westpark Dr from Leesburg Pike (Rt 7) in Boro Tysons Corner McLean, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **The Food Court Dining area** is on the 2nd floor, look for comments for specific table area. Feel free to buy your own snacks or drinks.

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

Join us for another session of our study group as we dive into the fascinating world of Large Language Models (LLMs) using the book **Build a Large Language Model from Scratch** from Manning. In this session, we will finish **Chapter 7: Fine-tuning to follow instructions**. In the last session, we talked about how to prepare the dataset for instruction fine-tuning and in this session we will perform the fine-tuning and evaluate the model afterwards. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to build a strong foundation together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and set-up the environment ahead of time (https://github.com/rasbt/LLMs-from-scratch/tree/main/setup). We will be meeting at the North County Governmental Center this time that is across from the Reston public library.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

**What makes one market a goldmine and another a money pit?** Success in real estate starts long before you make an offer. Choosing the right market and knowing how to analyze a deal are what separate confident investors from expensive mistakes. At this month’s meeting, we’ll talk about how to evaluate markets, spot demand drivers, and understand local fundamentals. We’ll also walk through how to analyze properties, run the numbers, and determine whether a deal actually makes sense before you move forward. Come for the training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **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.