Cosmology

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What Digital Detectives Find,”** on the afterlife of your digital data and the methods of those who investigate it, with Jim Jones, associate professor at George Mason University and cyber security and digital forensics expert. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-digital-detectives](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-digital-detectives) .] What happens when you delete digital data such as a picture, video, or email message? The truth is that “deleted” doesn't mean “gone,” and digital forensic investigators can extract and make sense of the residual fragments left over from data often assumed to be gone forever. Learn about the field of digital forensics—and the lessons it offers those who worry about sensitive data being exposed—with Jim Jones, who has been a cyber security and digital forensics practitioner, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years. You’ll learn how all investigations today, criminal and otherwise, to some degree involve digital forensics, an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics doesn’t just respond to specific incidents, but also seeks out threats within organizations, analyzes malware, and buttresses cyber security. Much of the work of Dr. Jones, his colleagues, and students involves examining digital systems of all types to understand how data persists and decays and how it can be found and recovered. Dr. Jones will discuss how what happens to the digital data that you deleted depends on the type of device you are using, along with a host of other factors. You'll learn how digital data is stored on different devices and what does and doesn’t happen when you delete that data. You'll see examples of data extracted from different devices, demonstrations of what can be inferred from these remnants, and how investigators can tell if such remnants are genuine or not. Finally, you'll learn about strategies to mitigate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Dr. Jones will sort those that work from those that don’t. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A digital forensics examiner works with evidence in the FBI’s New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (FBI photo).

This event is for all my singles who are looking to attend a dating event with a twist! must RSVP via Eventbrite. Come out and meet other singles, and form connections based on cosmic compatibility. There will be speed, dating, great music, great vibes, giveaways, and other surprises! There will be a different astrology theme every week. Speed dating, astrological, matchmaking, astrology game nights, etc make sure you are locked in and following us at. @TheeZodiacStore on IG and TikTok!

*From the [publisher's website](https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691268927/irans-grand-strategy):* Iran presents one of the most significant foreign policy challenges for America and the West, yet very little is known about what the country’s goals really are. Vali Nasr examines Iran’s political history in new ways to explain its actions and ambitions on the world stage, showing how, behind the veneer of theocracy and Islamic ideology, today’s Iran is pursuing a grand strategy aimed at securing the country internally and asserting its place in the region and the world. Drawing on memoirs, oral histories, and original in-depth interviews with Iranian decision makers, Nasr brings to light facts and events in Iran’s political history that have been overlooked until now. He traces the roots of Iran’s strategic outlook to its experiences over the past four decades of war with Iraq in the 1980s and the subsequent American containment of Iran, invasion of Iraq in 2003, and posture toward Iran thereafter. Nasr reveals how these experiences have shaped a geopolitical outlook driven by pervasive fear of America and its plans for the Middle East. Challenging the notion that Iran’s foreign policy simply reflects its revolutionary values or theocratic government, *Iran’s Grand Strategy* provides invaluable new insights into what Iran wants and why, explaining the country’s resistance to the United States, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East. ***How to find us:*** We meet in the upstairs seating area at Zorba's in Dupont Circle. Look for a sign on a table with a picture of the book's cover on it. ***Links:*** **[Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/91030/9780691268927): By purchasing your book through this link, you help support local bookstores and defray the cost of DCIA's Meetup subscription.** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Irans-Grand-Strategy-Political-History/dp/0691268924) [Princeton University Press](https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691268927/irans-grand-strategy) [WIkipedia page about Vali Nasr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vali_Nasr)

Learn Kali at OSMA in Herndon, VA: a beginner-friendly Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) class that builds coordination, timing, and confidence. 🔥 Experience FMA training through **partner drills**, **movement flow**, and **practical self-defense applications**. In this session you’ll: * Train classic **FMA weapon systems** such as **rattan sticks**, **training knives**, and **empty-hand applications** of Kali and Arnis. * Develop **coordination**, **timing**, **range awareness** and **reflexes** through **practical drills** drawn from Filipino Martial Arts traditions. * Improve your **conditioning**, **speed**, and **agility**: FMA’s weapon-based flow patterns and hand-to-hand transitions push both **mind** and **body**. Join a supportive community of martial arts enthusiasts in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) \-\- whether you're new to weapons training or experienced\, this class is designed to **challenge** and **reward**. This class is **open to all levels** and emphasizes **safety**, **precision**, and **continuous learning**. Whether you’re looking to explore **Filipino Martial Arts** (FMA) for **[self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense)**, **coordination training**, **weapons fluency**, or simply finding a **unique**, **dynamic workout** in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) -- *this is your class*. 👉 Come build real **skills**, boost **conditioning**, and ***train with great people*** \-\- j**oin us today and explore the flow and discipline of [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)!** The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, **payable on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** — let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest.

he Virginia/Maryland/DC wildflowers are essentially at their peak NOW! We will hike the Windy Run Trail in north Arlington down to the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River. Upstream for a bit and downstream for a bit will show us many of the currently blooming wildflowers. This is timed for later in day so that you can take care of your other responsibilities and still get outside. There will be plenty of light for good pictures. Also, the birds get more active and noisier towards dusk. Bluebells, spring beauty, wild phlox, snowbells (even though it is done snowing) , May apples (even though it is April). These are a few of the flowers blooming now that you will see. The Spring ephmeral wildflowers take advantage of the light and bloom quickly before the trees leaf out and put them in shade. When the trees leaf out, the spring wildflowers begin to go to bed until the next year. Wear shoes with tread that will grip. There are a handful of stream crossings and a set of steep stairs (with a handrail part of the way down). If you have treking poles, consider bringing them. No dogs. I will also show you I-Naturalist. Load the App before you come if you wish. The Appalachian Mountain Club uses this as a citizen science project that can track blooming dates and locations. Meet at 2433 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA

This month's selection is "The Beast in the Clouds: The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda," by Nathalia Holt! If you're new, welcome! Don't worry if you can't finish or don't like the book, we're here for good casual conversation...

***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594084461617?aff=oddtdtcreator This is an RfR-wide event, not tied to a particular location. \*NOTE: This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, or any other non-traditional gender or sexuality. Please do not join if this does not describe you. The Recovering from Religion LGBTQA+ VIRTUAL support group will meet the 3rd Sunday of each month @ 2pm Central Time (USA), unless the date falls on a holiday. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and a link will be provided upon registration through Eventbrite. It is our goal to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space for folks struggling with issues related to religious harm, doubt, or non-belief. Attendees are welcome to share, and may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. Real names are not required. Cameras are not required to be on. No disrespect will be tolerated. Trolls will be ejected and reported immediately. Late attendees may or may not be admitted, at the hosts discretion. What Recovering from Religion Is About Do you doubt your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone—and we are here to help. Recovering from Religion (RfR) exists to provide ongoing, personal support for individuals who are examining, changing, or choosing to let go of their religious beliefs. We are not here to deconvert anyone or tell you what to believe. We are here to offer understanding, support, and healing during what can often be a challenging and emotional transitional period. This kind of transition can bring a wide range of feelings and may have a ripple effect across many areas of life. RfR Support Group meetings are designed to be safe, anonymous spaces where you can openly share doubts, fears, and experiences—without judgment, proselytizing, or biased feedback. If you need someone to talk to before your meeting date, RfR offers both a hotline and an online chat for immediate support. Call (844) 368-2848 or visit www.recoveringfromreligion.org to chat online. There is no cost to attend our support groups. If you feel inspired to contribute, donations can be made at: www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate Please note that RfR volunteers are peer supporters, not licensed therapists. If you feel you may benefit from professional mental health support, we encourage you to explore the Secular Therapy Project. This service connects you with thoroughly vetted therapists who provide only evidence-based, non-religious treatment—no rosaries, no faith healing. Fees, insurance, and sliding scale options vary by provider. Learn more at www.seculartherapy.org. Looking for reliable information but don’t know where to start? Browse our extensive resource database: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources Love what RfR does? Consider volunteering! We offer a variety of roles and would be glad to have you. Explore opportunities at www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Unable to make it to a meeting—or want to attend more? Support groups are offered nearly every day, most of them online. You do not need to live in the same city or state to join a virtual group. View our full calendar here: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/sg-calendar Have feedback or concerns? Please share your thoughts with us through our anonymous feedback form: https://forms.gle/abxkXCCPCbxjFQuY8 For all RfR links, programs, and resources in one place, visit our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RecoveringFromReligion

Herbs and the natural world are the foundation of many rituals, spells, and other workings in the craft. In a new series by Carmilla of "Dark Magic for Dummies," we go back to basics, learning all we can about the powerful plants just under our feet. Carmilla is an art historian, academic, and practicing witch for over six years. Taught by Grannymoon in herbology, crystals, and many other tenets of the craft, much of that time has been spent practically, with years of client experience and spellworking under her belt. Fee: $25 No admittance under 18. DISCLAIMER: In no way is this class supplemental for medical advice, treatment, or care. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please seek medical attention. All herbalism in this class is entirely for spiritual and entertainment purposes only.

Title: Foundations of Localized Symmetry Mathematics Date: April 18 2026 Noon - 14:00 EST Summary: The moment you use Euclid’s definitions of points and distances in any of your mathematical axioms, all that follows is assured to produce some level of nonsensical results when applied to the foundations of physics. The reason is not complicated: Euclid’s definitions are deeply mired in accepting as a “given” the very concepts that emerge only in well-defined inertial frames, which in turn are local instances of symmetries that are always finite and context dependent. In this talk, Terry will discuss how reframing mathematics in terms of symmetries that, as in the real world, are finite, composite, and dependent on self-observation (acceleration), results in a richer and far stranger set of mathematics in absolute conservation of quantum numbers generate local and global symmetries — the opposite of Noether’s theorem — that in turn create the emergent classical phenomenal such a particles, fields, space, and time. Speaker: Terry Bollinger is a computer scientist with BS, MS, and professional degrees from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Join the Bitcoin District Book Club! We meet every month to explore new and exciting rabbit holes by reading books that are popular with bitcoiners. Join us for a deep dive into End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin. In this thought-provoking session, we’ll explore the structural forces that have historically led to societal instability—and why Turchin believes we are entering such a period today. Drawing on his work in “cliodynamics” (the quantitative study of history), Turchin examines cycles of rising inequality, elite overproduction, and political fragmentation. We’ll discuss how internal competition among elites and growing public discontent have repeatedly destabilized societies—from ancient Rome to modern America—and what this might mean for the decades ahead. For those interested in macro trends, power structures, and long-term societal patterns, this book offers a compelling framework for understanding today’s increasingly chaotic world. Buy the book on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/097mab73) **Event Notes:** * Discussion Starters: We’ll kick things off with a few key questions around elite dynamics and societal cycles, but feel free to bring your own perspectives. * Future Reads: Let us know if you have recommendations for future book club selections! We’ll add them to the list posted on our website. * Afterwards: Feel free to join us at Pubkey after the meeting to hang out, continue the conversation, and grab some food! **Getting There:** * 🔴🟢🟡 Gallery Place/Chinatown + 2 min walk * Parking: Street & garage parking available nearby

Arlington has a planetarium called the David M Brown Planetarium. I forget about it all the time. They host a monthly event. This month's starts at 7:30pm on April 18. Let's meet up at Quincy Hall beforehand and get buzzed before we learn about the Solar System. Tickets to the planetarium show are $5. They can be bought at the door and online. The online ones aren't available yet but I'll post a link when they are. The David M Brown Planetarium is at 1426 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22207 right around the corner from Quincy Hall. The show is called Dynamic Earth: https://friendsoftheplanetarium.org/event-6339264

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Physics of Astrology - 6 sessions with Nadia Smirnova - Mierau 6 weekly classes starting on Tuesday April 21, 2026 Register at: LakeCountyAstrology.com Step out of the closet and confidently defend your astrological practice—without getting called crazy at dinner parties! This transformative course explores the physical mechanisms underlying planetary influences on human life. Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, you'll gain the knowledge and vocabulary to articulate how astrology works when your skeptical uncle starts rolling his eyes. Learn to bridge the language of astrological symbolism with modern scientific concepts, understand the tangible forces at play in celestial influence, and develop unshakeable confidence in your practice. No more apologetic mumbling or changing the subject—equip yourself with a solid theoretical foundation that honors astrology. Bio: Nadia Smirnova-Mierau is a New York based astrologer, writer, speaker and ESP practitioner. A former nuclear physicist from the USSR, she has been studying and practicing astrology and extrasensory techniques for over 30 years. Her passion lies in deep investigation and explanation of how astrology and ES abilities work from a physics perspective. Her revolutionary theoretical framework explaining the physics behind planetary influence on our daily life and human extrasensory perception is presented in ‘Physics of Astrology’ book and e-book series (https://www.amazon.com/author/nadia). Related articles by Nadia have been published in NCGR e-news, C*I*A website (https://cosmicintelligenceagency.com/agent-777-nadiamierau/) and Astro-Vision e-book (https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Vision-beyond-Cosmic-Intelligence-ebook/dp/B083CTK4G8/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1579492611&refinements=p_27%3ACosmic+Intelligence+Agency&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Cosmic+Intelligence+Agency), OPA Magazine (https://www.opaastrology.org/CAMarch2019Equinox.pdf), Dell Horoscope (https://www.magzter.com/US/Penny-Publications,-LLC/Dell-Horoscope/Science/324349) and more. Nadia has substantial experience in writing astrology predictions for newspapers as well as presenting them live on radio. Nadia has been interviewed on various media channels, like TV, radio and Youtube. She is an agent 777 at Cosmic Intelligence Agency (C*I*A (https://cosmicintelligenceagency.com/)), a former PR director for NCGR (National Council for Geocosmic Research).

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on **AI Agentic Coding** and how autonomous AI systems are transforming the way software is built. Experts in AI, software engineering, and developer tools will share insights on how agentic AI—systems that can plan, reason, and execute coding tasks—is reshaping modern development workflows. The discussion will cover topics such as AI-assisted development, productivity gains, challenges around reliability and governance, and what the future of software engineering may look like with AI agents as collaborators. Whether you’re a developer, tech leader, or AI enthusiast, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore how agentic AI is redefining coding

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.