Redux

**We're back at Salisbury House for our summer London Airflow Meetup! Join fellow members of the data engineering community for an evening of engaging talks, great food and drinks, and exclusive swag!** **PRESENTATIONS** ***Talk #1: The Orchestration Layer: A Blueprint for Scaling Dynamic DAGs with Integrated Data Quality Gates*** * **Speaker**: [Vasudev Maduri](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasudevmaduri/), Staff Data Engineer, Admiral Group Plc Ensuring high-quality data, accuracy, completeness, and schema validity is essential for building data trust. However, scaling data quality checks across diverse datasets often leads to duplicated boilerplate Python code, human error, and a massive bottleneck for Data Engineering teams. In this talk, we’ll explore how to shift data quality from a backlog of tech debt into an automated, self-serve developer experience directly tied to Airflow. We will demonstrate how to build a multi-faceted data observability framework that empowers end-user teams to define their own DQ rules without writing any Python code. By hiding complex Airflow code, users simply select their parameters—YAML configurations that instantly translate into fully dynamic, end-to-end DAGs, including in-flight data quality gates. The core of this session focuses on the technical implementation of integrated DQ checks that live directly *inside* the generated pipelines. You’ll learn how this metadata-driven approach enables a "shift-left" strategy for data observability, automatically enforcing data contracts and routing alerts without manual engineering intervention. ***Talk #2: Self-healing Data Pipelines in Airflow*** * **Speaker**: [Nilesh Khandalkar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nileshskhandalkar/), Senior Manager, Capgemini Modern data pipelines remain largely reactive—failures trigger alerts, manual retries, and ongoing operational overhead for engineering teams. As systems scale, this approach introduces fragility, delays, and growing complexity in maintaining reliable workflows. This session explores how to design self-healing data pipelines in Airflow using practical patterns such as intelligent retries, conditional branching, and targeted recovery mechanisms. Real-world failure scenarios are used to illustrate how pipelines can detect issues, trigger remediation steps, and resume execution without full restarts or human intervention. The session also looks ahead to how AI-assisted anomaly detection can further enhance these systems by identifying unexpected patterns and enabling more proactive, resilient data workflows. ***Talk #3: What We Got Right (and Wrong) Building a 50-Source Data Platform on Airflow*** * **Speaker**: [Arnaud Caldow](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-caldow-384423142/), Senior Data Engineer at Collibra Collibra helps enterprises govern their data, but how does Collibra's own data team manage the data that powers the business? The answer is an Airflow-based platform that stitches together dlt, dbt, Kubernetes and Collibra's own product for governance -- all orchestrated through 87 DAGs serving 12 business domains. This talk traces a data point's journey through the stack: from API extraction via dlt pipelines running inside KubernetesPodOperator pods, through a layered dbt architecture where platform engineers standardize data and analysts build business models on top, into analytics outputs that serve multiple business teams, and finally back into Collibra Data Governance via reverse-ETL integration DAGs. Along the way, I'll share the patterns that emerged from operating this at scale: how we evolved from one-off custom pipelines to a reproducible framework that's documented well enough for AI subagents (or a new hire) to generate models from scratch, how our own Pod Operators let us test feature branches on shared environments, and how we're leveraging that same mechanism to migrate from Redshift to BigQuery (and from Airflow 2 to Airflow 3) without downtime. Behind the scenes, a 1Password-backed pipeline diffs credential hashes nightly, catching rotations before they break a DAG. **AGENDA** * **5:30-6 PM:** Arrivals, networking, food & drinks * **6-7:45PM:** Presentations * **7:45-8PM:** Networking

\*\*\* The more parents and kids, the cheaper it gets for all of us! \*\*\* \*\*\* Do you know a Location? \*\*\* **Action Steps Needed:** **1,** RSVP to the Waitlist to show your interest. **2,** Post your location idea in the discussion! **3,** Fill in our basic info form at https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL. **Interested in East London are:** Jonathan, Anna Butterworth, Victoria474389760, **Interested in North West London are:** Soba **Possible location Ideas are:** Your home, an Adventure Playground, free play coffee shop, Soft play location, your garden or summer house, task-based play like clay modelling, Wall or rock climbing, splash pad, forest play time with hut, River Picnic... What would work well for you?

A novice leaves her cloistered life to help a pilot on the run, becoming unexpectedly close, in what is perhaps the most underestimated film of the Borzage filmography. * Director Frank Borzage * With Ray Milland, Barbara Britton, Walter Slezak, Lucille Watson * USA 1944. 88min * Digital 4K (restoration) * Certificate PG When a US plane is shot down in occupied France, its pilot finds shelter in a convent. He encounters a young novice who agrees to help him escape the country, to save him and his secret cache of documents from the Nazis. The night casts a veil of intimacy over the couple, who develop a bond beyond physical love. Full of suspense and expressionistic chiaroscuro, this transcendental drama remains striking for its mix of thrill, torment and wonder. Restored in 4K by Universal Pictures and The Film Foundation at NBCUniversal StudioPost laboratory, from the original 35mm negative nitrate, a 35mm composite fine grain and the 35mm optical sound track negative nitrate. Special thanks to Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. We will meet near the box office at 18:15, and go for a drink and/or snack after the film at the venue. I will book my seat about a week in advance and will add a comment to let attendees know. Dave

**Say goodbye to superficial digital swiping and overcrowded, unorganised mixers. Welcome to a better way to meet people in London.** We’re bringing together a vetted room of like-minded young professionals, creatives, and singles for an intentional after-work drinks social in the heart of Shoreditch. No awkward icebreakers, no pressure—just an atmosphere designed for genuine, real-life connections. Because we manually balance the room to guarantee a high-quality, 50/50 experience, **this event operates via the Rise IRL curation system.** Entry is exclusive to confirmed guest-list holders for the evening. ### 🎟️ How to Get Invited: 1. **RSVP on Meetup** to save this event to your calendar. 2. **Enter the Pool:** Download the **[Rise IRL](https://riseirl.com)** app and create your profile. 3. **Receive Your Invite:** Our system curates the guest list to ensure great group dynamics. If you are selected for this Shoreditch mixer, your official entry pass and exact secret venue details will be issued directly to you inside the app. *Please note: To maintain a balanced room, entry is strictly limited to ticket holders inside the app. Create your profile early to clear the curation process!*

***The Go-Between*** is a modern classic, published in 1953, and almost forgotten nowadays. It begins with one of the most famous opening lines in literature – *“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.”* The novel takes us back to when our narrator, Leo, was twelve years old, hopelessly naive but conscious of a world of many mysteries. Invited to the grand manor of a school-friend, he is brutally introduced to his own social inferiority. But he has a role as messenger boy for his friend’s sister, Marian. Sworn to total secrecy, he carries her letters to her forbidden working-class lover. This is a beautiful novel about class, Englishness and social propriety, as well as Leo’s discovery of the facts of life around and within him. This novel was also **a 1971 film**, with a cast which included Julie Christie, Michael Redgrave, Edward Fox and Alan Bates. It was also a **2015 BBC TV film** (image above) with actors including Vanessa Redgrave and Jim Broadbent. ***Leslie Poles Hartley*** was from Cambridgeshire. He published five collections of short stories and some seventeen novels, as well as other essays and poems. He died in 1972 aged 77. And yes, I’m afraid his middle name really was ‘Poles.’ **Acclaim for this novel** included the Heinemann Award in 1954. Hartley was appointed a CBE in 1956 and he was named a Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature in 1972. This novel was suggested to me by an article in the Guardian (infuriatingly, now vanished). It summarised one journalist’s choice of novels that everyone should read before they die!

Made during the John Woo hot streak that ran from the first A Better Tomorrow film in 1986 to 1992's Hard Boiled\*, Bullet in the Head departs from his usual Hong Kong cops and robbers beat to something more political (with a small 'p'). Woo mainstay Tony Leung stars alongside HK pop legend Jacky Cheung, and the slow-motion gunplay, shifting interpersonal dynamics and soap opera-level melodrama that pepper Woo's movies are all present. Leung and Cheung play two of a group of three friends who decide to leave Hong Kong in the 1960s for Siagon, where they decide there's money to be made during the Vietnam war. There are definite similarities between this and The Deer Hunter - needless to say, turning to criminality during one of the more notorious wars of the 20th century isn't exactly smooth going. The trailer doesn't have subtitles but the film will: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Bs9jThIW4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Bs9jThIW4) And tickets are [here](https://princecharlescinema.com/prince-charles-cinema/booknow/31624495/), I'm in D10. We can meet at 8pm for a pre-drink at the Bear and Staff around the corner and head in afterwards. \*Or 1997's Face/Off, if you're partial to Woo's Hollywood work.

We start June by reading Amanda Montell's 2019 effort, *Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language*. Our first non-fiction of 2026 is a 'brash, enlightening, and wildly entertaining work of pop linguistics and a feminist look at gendered language and the way it shapes us.' (Book jacket) '[Montell], reporter and feminist linguist, deconstructs language—from insults, cursing, gossip, and catcalling to grammar and pronunciation patterns—to reveal the ways it has been used for centuries to keep women and other marginalized genders from power.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53066379-wordslut In the eternal hope of good weather in London in the spring/summer, we will have the meeting in Haz St Paul's lovely outdoor area. So come along for some great atmosphere, delicious Turkish food, and insightful discussion. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

\*\*\* We are looking for another parent to host the game in the future, Is that you? \*\*\* To play the game you need to follow this link and rsvp here: [https://www.meetup.com/londoncashflow/events/](https://www.meetup.com/londoncashflow/events/) 1, Follow the link, 2, Look for the next Kids game, 3, RSVP and pay for your child to play game.

## Details **FOR GENERAL INFO, ADDRESS & DIRECTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE MAIN PAGE DESCRIPTION.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **AGE GROUP** Over 18 **LEVEL OF SKILL** Any **GENRES** Anything, including **classical \| jazz \| contemporary pop songs \| musicals \| arrangements \| improvisation \| own compositions \| exam pieces \| duets\.** **COSTS** The **STANDARD TICKET** is £10 for pianists, including up to **5 minutes playing time**. **Longer Playing Slots** £15 for up to 10 minutes playing time £20 for up to 15 minutes playing time £25 for up to 20 minutes playing time\* **PAYMENT LINK** https://the-red-hedgehog.sumupstore.com/products?category=01e4f4aa-6d2f-416d-86da-72138e147210&sortField=price **Grade Exam or Music Competition Preparation\*** Longer slots are sometimes available for pianists who wish to play through their entire repertoire in one go as preparation for an upcoming advanced exam or music festival entry. \* If the playthrough has a high number of attendees, it may be necessary to allocate a longer time to another playthrough, due to time constraints. **Audience: £5** **MIC & SOUND SYSTEM** Let me know if you would like to accompany yourself singing so the mic can be set up ready for you. **COFFEE BREAK** There will be a 20 minute coffee break (hot drinks & biscuits provided). **PRE-EVENT ACCESS TO TRY OUT THE PIANO** Prior to every publicised START TIME is a half-hour period when you may, if you wish, **try out the piano** or even run through your whole piece, depending on how many other people are waiting to do the same. **EVENT LENGTH** I allocate 3 hours for the playthrough (+ 30 minutes for pianists to try out the piano) but with fewer attendees, it may end earlier. **SUPPORTING OTHER PIANISTS** Unless you have a pressing reason to leave early, please stay to hear all your fellow pianists play, as the point of these sessions is mutual support in our piano playing journeys! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **BOOKINGS PROCESS** 1 Please leave an **RSVP** against this event here on **LONDON MEETUP** 2 then make payment direct (to include the ticket and the playing time as outlined above). **The Red Hedgehog** Sort Code: **08-71-99** Account: **12697825** **PAYMENT UPON BOOKING IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM YOUR SLOT!** When you RSVP, please **PAY** immediately otherwise your name will be removed from the list of players. Sorry - 'tis necessary. **CASH ON THE NIGHT** No, sorry... Our numbers are sorted and paid for prior to each event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MEETUP CAN BE FOUND ON THE RED HEDGEHOG WEBSITE** https://theredhedgehog.co.uk/m.pianoplaythroughoverview.html **WAIT-LIST** If a place subsequently becomes available for a sold-out playthrough, it will automatically be allocated to the next person on the wait list. **CANCELLATION POLICY** In the event you are unable to attend the event, please find another pianist to take your slot. (A powerful reason for providing your mobile and being part of our whatsapp group is that it's easy to reach out there to find someone to take your place, who can then reimburse your fee direct to you.) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **SOCIALISING...** Afterwards everyone is welcome to join us for a drink across the road (the **BOOGALOO)** (30 secs from the tube). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **CONTACT THE ORGANISER** Hello. I'm Clare and I run The Red Hedgehog where these meetups are held. If you have questions about anything at all, please just call or text. Happy to chat about anything. **07817 129093**

**Brews and Lose... Track of Time!** Bermondsey Beer Mile. Relaxed pace. Visit craft brewery tap rooms in ancient industrial London. It really is a lovely walk, lots of Victorian buildings, murals, art, etc. As with all our events, you **do not** need an ADHD diagnosis. Come as you are, meet nice, quirky people. We will attempt to visit several of the taprooms in a loosely sequential order. I strongly recommend having thirds or halves of a pint! Some of us will succeed. To keep you in sustenance, there will be assorted food places along the route. We start at [The Kernal Taproom,](https://share.google/c3sPrvF5jXxSsbwGJ) and finish up around London Bridge where... who knows what may happen next, **What will definitely happen:** - At least one person will show up to the wrong place - Someone will spend forty minutes reading the entire tap list and order a basic bitch Fosters/Carling - A conversation will begin, go completely off-piste, and never return to the original point - Someone will announce they're leaving and still be there an hour later - We will collectively lose track of time, money, and the thread of at least six conversations **What will probably not happen:** - Not everyone arriving on time - Leaving when we said we would - Remembering what the plan was - But we will try. **Directions:** Meet at [The Kernal taproom ](https://share.google/c3sPrvF5jXxSsbwGJ) preferably at 12, before the rush. Nearest Tube: Bermondsey - Jubilee Line Our WhatsApp group: [Message us here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQgW6gtwMhh2kPgP7CyrBK) READ THE GUIDE!! [Bermondsey Beer Mile Survival Guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YgpzHyIdA2mhpKDV_9yjFjIiWmFf1tyN/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107544702518017466322&rtpof=true&sd=true) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Important note:** This is not a dating meetup, not everyone will want to connect outside of an event. This is a proudly consent-led space.

Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday: We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table. \*(Please see full access info, further down.) ...... * We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference. This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people. Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small. i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by. Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many. ........ **6:00pm - 6:30pm** * Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink. * We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new. * (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to). **6.30pm - 7.30pm** * No talking. One hour. * You can leave the table at any point. * Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at! **7.30pm** Once 'Shut Up' time is over: * You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around. * You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish. * Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have. The time is for you, to get the most benefit. . **FACILITIES / ACCESS** Mobility access is limited: There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry. Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies. (The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.) Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending. **FOOD** There is food served all evening / including vegan options. You're welcome to eat whilst writing. **WI-FI** There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it! 'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo **DOG-FRIENDLY** Dogs also welcome. . If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly. . **A note about the format** We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do). Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details. You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide. No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed. Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead! This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space. **Respect** Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct) ...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably. Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us. For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Unshackled will be one of the largest The Prisoners wines tasting in the nation this Thursday, hosted by Stuart, in my absence. The Prisoner Wines have several dozen white and red blended wines using unusual combinations that are very different than traditional blends from Bordeaux or The Rhone regions. ***The Prisoner Red Blend*** is comprised of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. ***Saldo***, in the $30 range, has Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mataro, Verdelho, and Cabernet Sauvignon. ***The Prisoner Chardonnay*** has, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. You get the idea: no traditional limits in blending grapes. I will get a table for people to gather. It will be crowded, so be patient with this very popular. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served. **Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine. **Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime. *The Beast / La Bête* can be streamed for free on Kanopy or the Criterion Channel. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime, AppleTV and YouTube.

Join Guest Host Jeff and the group as we get together to see the historical drama, PRESSURE! Brendan Frasier, Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon star in this film about the tense and dramatic days leading up to the D-Day invasion! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg n the tense 72 hours before D-Day. With the fate of the free world in the balance, they face an impossible choice: launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. It is directed by Anthony Maras and based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPgrKoXe_c BUZZ & ACCLAIM: Critic and audience reviews have been outstanding for a pressure-packed film that earns its name – but also provides superb performances! Reviews call the film a “smart,” “gripping,” “tense,” and “thrilling!” It’s “quality acting” and “fascinating true story” make this one you won’t want to miss! PLAN: Details have been confirmed for this event! Please purchase your ticket for the 6:10pm showing and meet Jeff and the group in the bar area starting at 5:45pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Join Marcus Rewards (FREE) and purchase via the app and tickets are just $6 with no ticketing fee! Plus a free popcorn at the show! Look forward to seeing you there, Jeff P.S. from Dan: THANK YOU to Jeff for hosting this event!