Are we alone in the universe? Do we have a future off this planet? Let’s talk about it this Saturday! Some links to check out: The Grabby Aliens model, that there will only be a small window between seeing aliens and their arrival Risks from SETI, the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence von Neumann probes, Dyson

It’s take-your-friend-to-the-meetup day: a Schelling point for you to bring friends who don’t have any idea what LW/SSC is about, where it won’t be awkward because ~half the people there will be similarly confused! Share how you know your friend and introduce them to the group. *** The meetup is at Central Market, 4001 N.

With the holiday and travel, we might be low on attendance, but I’ll still be at the usual place!  As part of our annual tradition, we’ll use this as a chance to say what we’re thankful for, and praise others for what we like about them. We’ll also review protocols for Giving Tuesday, where you

Based on availability provided and proximity to the actual solstice, our Winter Solstice event will be held the evening of Tuesday, December 20th, tentative doors-open at 6pm. It is now on the group calendar. It is still being planned, and more details are to follow.

In case you haven’t been watching the news, the FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapsed last week, and with it, the fortunes of philanthropists that pledged major funding for rationalist and effective altruist (EA) causes. For some further background EA Forum FAQ EA Forum summary at time of exchange collapse Let’s get this out of our system:

This will be a more casual meetup, loosely focused on the general theme of rituals.  What kinds of rituals have you participated in, and what role do they have in your life? (That you’re comfortable talking about, of course!) Don’t forget to share your availability and how you can help for our big upcoming ritual,

(Infohazard: something you could be game-theoretically hurt by learning of.) After two weeks away from our usual location, we’ll be back at Central Market this week.  And, as a yearly tradition for a Halloween-adjacent meetup, our group likes to discuss our favorite “spooky” parts of rationality — the things you’ve learned in this area that scare you.

Location: 2400 Kathy Cove (neighborhood off South Lamar) We have a special treat for you this time! GMU economist Bryan Caplan will be joining us to talk about his works, including The Myth of the Rational Voter, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, The Case Against Education, and Open Borders. Bring all your questions and