Authenticity

Straw hats and Joycean attire not compulsory but certainly (heavily) encouraged. :-) "Come forth, Lazarus. And he came fifth and lost the job" (Ulysses, chapter 8). Let's celebrate Bloomsday by having a swim in Joycean attire. **Read** The final lines of Molly's soliloquy (obviously not all 40 pages of it), will be read. **Swim** Let's have a dive into the snotgreen and scrotumtightening sea. The swim is at your own risk! We are no lifeguards and we only arrange the meeting point. Make sure you have enough layers to keep warm before and after the swim, bring something warm to drink too. Some wear wetsuits, others don't so, some want to swim a bit of distance, others just want dip and get out - it's your swim, do what you want and meet us after... **Eat** Having demonstrated our incredible bravery, we will continue our adventure at a local café (time and venue TBC later, will try and source one that hopefully provides Joycean fare). Eating and drinking are at your own risk too. Will your eyes be bigger than your stomach? Don't leave it too late to sign up for the swim so I can book enough seats in the café afterwards. If you have questions, comments, suggestions, post them in comments for this swim. Browse discussions if you want to ask about the group or other events. See you on Sunday June 14. My number 0860597787

Hi all, We'll meet at Insomnia at the Jervis Luas stop from 10am for a chat and some breakfast. Then we'll head to the 10:45am screening of Disclosure Day in Cineworld. Book your tickets three rows from the back (row K) to sit together or wherever you prefer. See you all then! Ann.

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

**An evening for over-givers** I asked the people who follow my work: "What's harder for you: giving or receiving?" The answers came back almost identical. Giving is easy. Receiving doesn't always come naturally. People described it as a burden, a debt, an awkwardness, a thing they'd been taught they had to earn first. One person said, "It's safer not to want." Most of us were trained to be *over-developed givers* and under-developed receivers, and we live the rest of our lives slightly off-balance because of it. The Relating Lab is a 105-minute group session to explore this topic, guided by a psychologist. **Who this is for** * You can give for hours. Receiving for five minutes feels strange. * When someone gives you something, you feel like you owe them something back. * You don't always know what you actually want. * You notice yourself trying to be worthy of the good things in your life. * You wish for more affection in your friendships without awkwardness. * You suspect that the way you were taught about love and worth in childhood is still running quietly in the background. **What we'll do** * A guided meditation on a recent moment when receiving felt hard * Paired work with a simple exercise that can change how you understand every interaction in your life. * A closing sound bath where you receive together. * A closing circle. **What this is not** This is not therapy. Not a workshop you'll have to perform at. Not a "share your trauma" circle. Just come as you are and give this topic the time it deserves. *Your only task is to **receive**. Not to deserve it. Not to repay it. Not to make anything happen. Just let it land.* **The practical bits** Sunday, June 14th, 4–5:45 pm. Calm Rooms, Monkstown. Up to 18 seats. RSVP through this Meetup. Wear something comfortable that you can sit on the floor in. Bring a water bottle. **About me** I'm Olena. I'm a psychologist (PSI graduate member), doing a PhD in organisational psychology, with somatic and consent-based training on top. I run cacao ceremonies and cuddle therapy sessions in Dublin. The Relating Lab is a series of four events that I'll be running monthly through the summer. Each event is focused on a different quadrant of the Wheel of Consent. This is the entry point. Come and share this space with like-minded people. **Everything is opt-in.** You can pass on any exercise without explaining why. This event is an introduction to future workshops about giving, receiving, taking, and allowing. It's a safe space; the exercises might include some platonic touch (if you opt in). Every participant is invited to come with reverence for others in the group.

Join us for this interesting movie...Through her personal letters, the film offers an intimate look at the Mexican artist’s life, emotions, and artistic vision - featuring new material from the 2026 Tate Britain and MFA Houston Kahlo exhibition. NB. tickets can be booked up quickly so best to book online ASAP 👍 😍 We're in balcony seat p11

During social tennis, you’ll play several matches and rally, meet new people… and play a wide range of playing abilities with those who have played tennis before! It is suitable to all players but if you have not played before, please consider joining at least a few group lessons before considering social tennis… 😊 Please join my group chat for social tennis below 👇 Https://chat.whatsapp.com/G60iuOQFYm3E6p5yogUo21?mode=ems_copy_t

"Grace” from Joyce’s *Dubliners* is a tale of booze, bombast and religious confusion that brilliantly satirises the role of the Catholic Church in early twentieth century Irish life. When struggling salesman, Tom Kernan (who also appears in *Ulysses*), is found drunk and injured in a pub toilet and brought home in disgrace to his long suffering wife, his friends hatch a plot to save him from his errant ways. [Please secure your own ticket on Eventbrite.](https://jamesjoyce.ie/events/bloomsday-festival-2026-grace-by-james-joyce/) This acclaimed production features the actor and comedian, **Terry O’Neill**, who brings to life Joyce’s rare collection of characters and takes you on a hilarious journey from purgatory to paradise. *Dubliners*, first published in 1914, is one of the great short story collections in the English language. By exploring the lives of his fellow Dublin citizens with unflinching realism, Joyce revealed truths both blasphemous and transcendent. “O’Neill does a terrific job…. comic ironies abound…” Irish Independent ‘O’Neill brings considerable energy and skill as the narrator’ Nomoreworkhorse

Looking for some spiritual inspiration and conversation? Come and visit the Eckankar Book and Info Stand in the Blackrock Market, Blackrock, Co.Dublin. We're in the market on the second Sunday of every month from 11am until 5pm. We are happy to chat with you on most spiritual topics. Some of our books and booklets may help you with an issue you may be struggling with at the moment. If you'd like some inspiring wisdom, spin the wheel and receive a spiritual gift or a quote on a range of life's challenges.

As you walk in the hotel, turn right from the bar, and you’ll find another bar where drinks are served.
We’re right behind. This meetup is free to attend. Just grab and pay for your own drink when you order to support the bar and keep things cool with the venue.

10 players to be selected for the International 7 a side tournament..

**🌿 Active travelers, I invite you to a loop walking route around the Howth Peninsula in Dublin.** **✨ What will you get on our hike?** **•Meet new people and connect with like-minded people.** **•Beautiful views for contemplation and photography.** **•Intense aerobic workout.** **🔃Distance: 12 km** **📈Ascent: 240 meters** **📉Descent: 240 meters** **🏋️‍♂️Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️** **How to know if you can handle the route: climbing to the 10th floor of a building is a 24-meter climb.** **We'll be walking at a moderate pace with breaks. Small sections of the route run along steep cliffs.** **🗓 Date: Every Sunday** **⏰ Start time: 11:15 arrive 5 minutes in advance)** **📍 Start and finish point: Howth DART station. (We are right outiside when you exit the railway station)** **🕓 Duration: 4,5 hours. ** **💶 Cost: €8 per person.** **What to bring with you?** **Don’t dress up too warm, as you will warm up pretty well during the hike. I highly recommend to take tracking poles with you. ** **A bottle of water would be essential, as there no sourses of water along the whole route. ** **You can bring a small amount of food, as we will have a stop for a lunch. ** **Important notice** **Persons younger 18 years old only accompanied by elders. ** **For the comfort and safety of the whole group:** **No use of alcohol before or during the trip allowed.** **Smoking or vaping is not allowed during the walk and can be done only during stops, on the distance from the group.** **Actual amount of members will differ from the one on MeetUp as we use different sources to attract people. ** **Looking forward to see you with us! Come along and invite your friends and family! ** **✉️ For registration press button that you are going.** **For additional information, please contact us via** **Telegram: @Yuriy_Rokossovskiy** **What’sApp: +380508648491** **Mobile: +353851209348**

**🎟️ Attendance is free but booking is essential.** Join us for an afternoon of poetry from award-winning writers Annelise Berghenti, Lily Blacksell and Rosamund Taylor. Themes will range from womanhood to the natural world; the everyday to the extraordinary, in a mixture of new work and recently published poems from Lily Blacksell’s collection *Life Immediately* (Bloodaxe, 2026), and Rosamund Taylor’s verse novel *Filly* (Banshee Press, 2025). Jessica Traynor, fellow Bloodaxe poet and Poetry Editor at *Banshee*, will introduce the event. #### ABOUT THE POETS ROSAMUND TAYLOR is the winner of the Rialto Poetry Prize 2025, the Telegraph Poetry Prize 2023, The London Magazine Poetry Prize 2020 and the Mairtín Crawford Award for Poetry 2017. In 2023, her debut collection, *In Her Jaws* (Banshee Press 2022), was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Poetry Prize for a First Collection and the Yeats Society Poetry Prize, and longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize. Her essays have recently appeared in *The Irish Times* *and The Stinging Fly*, and her poems have featured in *Butcher’s Dog, Magma, Mslexia, Poetry Ireland Review* and on BBC Radio 4 and RTE Radio 1. *Filly*, her novel in verse, was published by Banshee last year. LILY BLACKSELL is a poet living in London. Her poems have appeared in Poetry Review, BOMB Magazine, Bath Magg, Poetry London, Poetry Wales and elsewhere. She runs a poetry and music night called Canon Fodder. Her two pamphlets are *There’s No Such Thing* (ignition press) and *Stressed, Tested* (Rough Trade Books). Her first full-length collection, *Life Immediately*, is published by Bloodaxe Books. ANNELISE BERGHENTI is a poet living in Dublin, where she grew up. She has an MFA in poetry from Columbia University and her poems have been published by *Banshee*, *Headstuff*, *Rainbow Agate*, and other publications.

If you’re new to tennis or have only had a handful of lessons, please join this lesson 🎾 Lessons work on a pay as you go system with each lesson costing €20 with your sixth lesson free, making it €100 for 6 lessons that can attend occasionally or weekly… Also, if you haven’t already join my group lessons WhatsApp group at the link below 👇 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKXCPrOmQIcDepGYCZYZXu For more info on lessons, prices and equipment that you can borrow for free, click the link below 👇 Www.Ellistennisdublin.Com/info

**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10

# Giving and Receiving Platonic Touch Private residence in Rockville, MD \*\*\*\* Important - to confirm registration and pay please go to ticketleap - https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/touch \*\*\*\* ## Event Details Physical touch is essential for wellbeing and human connection, but many of us go for long periods without it. Research shows that nurturing touch in adults reduces pain perception, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, and strengthens immune function. In this participatory workshop, we will explore connection through conversation, eye contact, and platonic touch through a series of activities that foster trust and connection. Using Betty Martin's theory of the wheel of consent, we will learn to give and receive platonic touch while being in tune with our authentic needs and desires. Activities are designed to build a sense of psychological safety within the group, and gradually introduce nurturing platonic touch to the extent that feels comfortable. All activities are optional and you may participate as much or as little as you want, based on your comfort level. You are not required to touch or be touched by anyone. We will practice stating boundaries and desires. If you need to pause, modify, or exit any activity--you're encouraged to do what feels comfortable for you. Adults of every age, gender, orientation, race, belief system, and body type are welcome to attend, provided that you are willing and able to remain sober, lucid, and respectful for the duration of our time together. **Tentative Agenda** 5 min: Partnered conversation to land 10 min: Loving kindness meditation 20 min: Introduction and opening shares 20 min: Authentic relating conversations 20 min: Wheel of consent 10 min: Break 20 min: Practice saying no and boundaries 20 min: Practice asking for what we want 20 min: Giving and receiving platonic touch 20 min: Cuddle pile ### **Additional Info** Event will be held at a private residence in Rockville with 2 cats. Address will be provided after registration. Advanced registration required at least 24 hours before the event. No walk ins. NO REFUNDS unless request is made more than 2 weeks in advance. Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one. This event is not exclusively for singles! All ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, identities, etc. welcome! This event is capped at 14. If you would like to participate, please arrive early (between 1:30 and 2) so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event. ### **Testimonials** “I was a bit nervous going into the event, but any concerns soon dissipated with Clara’s calm presence and carefully planned agenda. I’ve already started discussing the Wheel of Consent with others, and the event had me thinking more specifically about how I can voice my wants, needs, and preferences in many areas of my life. I would highly recommend trying out this event even if you’re on the fence about it. The support, safety, and lasting connections that I make at Clara’s events always leave me signing up for more afterwards. Those of us living in the DMV area are lucky to have Clara as a force for good in our local communities.” - Michaela ## **About the Facilitator** Clara Fang, Ph.D. is the founder of [Green Tara Consulting](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating), a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for over twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. Learn more at [bio.site/cfang](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/authentic) To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read [Authentic Relating: The Art of Inclusive Social Gatherings](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating) . [Subscribe](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCxVlNMAWTLRBI_e3OtwQdZLoZE9M7Dy8VUiFVQaMpg3tIKQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) to the email list to receive notification of future events and connect with other members.

**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10

If you're ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships and high-quality referrals, this event series is for you! We're a community of local small business professionals committed to building prosperity through authentic connection and collaboration. Join us for **genuine, no-pressure networking**—no fees, no pitches, no nonsense. Just good people, good conversations, and a few refreshments to keep things relaxed. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time—whatever works for you. **This event is completely free to attend**, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Celebrate, Connect & Vibe! Are you ready to welcome the vibrant energy of summer with an unforgettable evening. As the days reach their peak, we’re coming together to celebrate the longest day of the year in style. This isn't just another social gathering—it's a high-vibe, sophisticated celebration of community, wellness, and seasonal color fashion styles. Come out to connect with amazing local professionals, enjoy great conversation, and step into the new season feeling inspired. ✨ What to Expect: The Vibe: Uplifting, chic, and refreshing. The Dress Code: Bright, vibrant summer sun dresses!\*\* Let’s fill the room with the colors of the season. (All sophisticated seasonal styles are welcome!) The Perks: Delicious light bites, refreshing drinks, and excellent music. The People: A welcoming community of local professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and friendly faces looking to make authentic connections. Event Details: Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM EDT Location 150 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850 🎟️ How to Join Us: RSVPing on Meetup lets the community know you're coming, but you must secure your official ticket via Eventbrite to guarantee entry food & drinks tickets: 👉 Grab Your Ticket Here on Eventbrite! Note: Space is limited to keep the atmosphere intimate and engaging, so be sure to lock in your spot early.

[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).