Mycology

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-doom-and-dinosaurs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-doom-and-dinosaurs) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

**Zephyrus Bikes is linking up with District Cycling Collective to bring back that Wednesday Night Ryde energy. This weekly roll is led by Jeff Walden, the man behind Zephyrus and a true force on two wheels.** **We’re meeting in Falls Church and taking it to the streets. This ride ain’t for the brand new riders, but if you’ve got some miles under your belt and you’re ready to level up, pull up. It’s all love, no drop, and plenty of chances to get stronger with the crew.** **Location: Giant Food parking lot** **7235 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA** **Meet time: 5:30 PM** **Wheels up: 6 PM sharp** **Pace: Around 18 mph — steady but not wild** **Vibe: No drop, no egos. Just good energy, solid legs, and some climbing.** **Note: No SAG. You ride at your own risk.** **This is where the streets meet the grind. Come correct, bring your legs, and let’s ride.** 
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Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36205543**

Its that time of year when Brookside Gardens should be filled with bombastic spring colors. Let's take an evening stroll to check them out. We will meet up near the restrooms at Wheaton Regional Park (go left at the roundabout). We will head northeast and enter the gardens, making a large loop to see all of the perimeter areas, but not necessarily examining every exhibit. From there, we will backtrack slightly and loop past Pine Lake and the carousel on the way back to the start. Total distance should be 2.5 miles or less, depending on how much meandering we do in the garden. Our start point is about 120' higher than the gardens, but it is just one big gradual slope that you will barely notice. [Follow our route on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/wheaton-to-brookside-2mi-1b90cc9?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

**\*\*\* You must register with DTL to join this event in the Premier Lounge. Link to register is [here](https://dtl.podplay.app/community/events/d134e368-ecd7-4901-8d04-33eef0b0fb81) \*\*\*** **Registration is $20 for DTL Members and $25 for all others.** ***Join us for a delightful and delicious evening at our Decadent Pairings: Wine, Cheese & Girl Scout Cookie Pairing Night in the Premier Lounge at Down the Line (DTL) Sports Center!*** Get ready to indulge your taste buds as we explore the sweet and savory world of flavor pairings. This fun-filled event invites all foodies and social butterflies to savor the iconic Girl Scout cookies alongside a curated selection of wines and artisanal cheeses. **What to Expect:** - **Tasty Pairings**: Discover the magic of pairing your favorite cookies with the perfect wine and cheese. From Thin Mints to Samoas, we'll guide you through unique combinations that will elevate your snacking experience. - **Learn & Taste**: Enjoy engaging discussions about flavor profiles and pairing techniques. You'll leave with insider knowledge and new tricks to impress your friends at your next gathering! - **Socialize & Mingle:** Connect with fellow food enthusiasts in a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, great conversation, and endless culinary inspiration. Whether you're a cookie connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a fun night out, this event promises to be a delightful experience you won't want to miss. Grab your friends and come ready to taste, learn, and have a blast! WAITLIST: If the event fills, your name will be added to the waitlist and you will be notified as spots become available. There may also be a chance that a few additional seats can be added to the event if necessary - so make sure to add your name on the list!