Ancient Civilizations

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Gaining Greenland, Losing a Continent?”** on the historic roots and political drivers of an unexpected international crisis, with Garret Martin, senior professorial lecturer at American University’s School of International Service and co-director of its Transatlantic Policy Center. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-greenland](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-greenland) .] Most Americans did not give much thought to Greenland prior to the start of President Trump’s second term. That changed, however, in the early weeks of January, when our nation’s President seemed intent on taking over the large island, long part of the Kingdom of Denmark. His demands for the island risked tearing apart the transatlantic alliance, as shown during the Davos World Economic Forum. And while Trump eventually backed down, the crisis could resurface at any time. Gain an understanding of how Greenland found itself in the position of being an international flash point with Garret Martin, an expert on Europe, NATO, foreign policy and transatlantic relations who has given excellent Profs and Pints talks in the past. You’ll learn how the United States’ interest in Greenland has deep roots, dating back to expansion interests in the 19th Century, and strengthened by the island’s security role during the Cold War. We’ll also look at how the abundance of critical minerals in Greenland make it the subject of particular attention, and how interest in Greenland is fundamentally tied to drastic changes occurring in the Arctic. Not only is climate change likely to significantly increase maritime traffic via northern routes, there also is growing concern that the increasing accessibility of the Arctic could make it a major source of military tension between great powers. Finally, Dr. Martin will discuss Greenland as a story of emancipation, describing how the island has sought in past decades to carve greater autonomy from Denmark. You’ll gain an appreciation of how Greenland sits at the intersection of economic security, environmental change, great power rivalry, tensions over sovereignty, and change within the transatlantic alliance, and thus is likely to remain the subject of considerable international attention well into the future. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Greenland’s coast as photographed by Robert Eime (Creative Commons).

**Rockville Science Center Chess Night and Lessons by FIDE Master Luke** **Time/Date: Monday evening, 6:30 to 9:00 PM** Join us as FIDE Master Luke delivers a chess lecture with notes. He begins teaching at 7:15pm. **Location: RSC "Storefront" Location,** 36C, Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 **Parking:** First two hours free at Parking Garage "A", 20 Maryland Ave #450, Rockville, MD 20850 * Casual Chess - Everyone is welcome. * You do not have to know how to play chess(!!!!) * Chess sets available on a first come - basis. * Wonderful chess sets provided, BYOC (bring your own clock) Host: Howard Lichtman More information about the RSC is at https://www.rockvillesciencecenter.org/

https://www.solitaireparadise.com/games_list/monopoly.html

Climbers of all skill levels are welcome! To join us: 1. Complete the [participant agreement](https://movementgyms.com/participant-agreement/). 2. Pass the belay check, which can be done the same day. See [FAQs](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/#faqs) for more info. 3. Pay for [gym membership or day pass](https://movementgyms.com/memberships-passes/). The event itself is run by volunteer organizers free of charge. If you are interested but have never belayed before, please take the [Introduction to Rope Climbing](https://movementgyms.com/rockville/calendar/#activity=climbing&location=rockville&class-type=intro-series&area-of-focus=safety-and-belaying) class first. We'd love to climb with you as soon as you know how to belay safely using a GriGri. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the fitness room entrance. If you need a refresher on knot tying and/or belaying, please post in comments or message the host and we'll be happy to help. We normally top rope in groups of 2-3 people, but some are also happy to lead. Post in comments or ask on the spot if you are interested in leading.

“There’s no recipe for a lightning bolt, enlightenment is always an accident, but there are ways of making yourself more accident-prone” -- *[Richard Rose](https://tatfoundation.org/about-richard-rose/)* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***“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!

Hello everyone, Wonderful discussion in our last gathering! We have a lovely group of people with great insights. For our next meeting, we will continue discussing Thucydides. We will be reading the introduction (the first 20 chapters of book one or so), Pericles second speech (The Plague), and the Mytilenean Debate. I look forward to seeing you all on the 28th -Dagmar

Join us for a fun singles mixer at a new secret speakeasy in Alexandria VA! Hidden behind a French bistro—where the unmarked entrance is part of the thrill and the night unfolds only for those who know. It’s an intimate escape designed for chemistry, curiosity, and connection. Bar 86’s secret speakeasy blends old-world charm with modern sophistication and an effortlessly upscale atmosphere. The secrecy of the space sets the tone immediately—once you’re inside, it feels like you’ve discovered something special, a world apart from Old Town and the usual routines. This mixer is for singles who value great conversation as much as great vibes. Whether you arrive hoping to spark a romantic connection, meet new friends, or simply enjoy an evening surrounded by interesting people, the energy is relaxed, flirty, and open. Conversations flow easily here, helped along by the intimate setting and the shared sense that everyone chose to be exactly where they are. There’s something about a hidden venue that encourages authenticity. Maybe it’s the cozy elegance, maybe it’s the soft hum of laughter, or maybe it’s the feeling that anything could happen when the night feels just a little bit secret. Our mixer creates the perfect backdrop for those unexpected moments that turn into lasting memories. So slip past the bistro, step into the speakeasy, and let the evening surprise you. New connections await, romantic sparks are welcome, and the only thing required is your curiosity and your best energy. This is your invitation to discover what happens when great people meet in a place that was never meant to be ordinary. **Can't make this event? Sign up for FREE on our website to get updates on future events:** [www.Intelligent.Events](https://www.intelligent.events/ "https://www.Intelligent.Events")

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Ethics of Good Sex,”** a philosophical and practical guide to promoting pleasure while ensuring respect, with Quill R. Kukla, professor of philosophy and disability studies at Georgetown University and author of *Sex Beyond ‘Yes’: Pleasure and Agency for Everyone.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ethics-good-sex](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ethics-good-sex) .] Most discourse around sexual ethics—regardless of political orientation—focuses on how sex can go wrong and how we can avoid bad or harmful sex. Our sexual education emphasizes ensuring consent and taking “no” for an answer. But as a society we spend almost no time discussing how to have good sex that is pleasurable for everyone involved and respects everyone’s agency. We are told to make sure that our partner says “yes,” but we are given no tools or roadmaps for what to do to have good sex, rather than minimally ethical sex, after that yes is given. We get no lessons on how to figure out what sexual activities we would actually enjoy, or for how to communicate about sex beyond asking for and giving consent. Gain insights on how to take your discussions with sex partners to the next level with Quill Kukla, a philosopher and long-time participant in queer and kinky alternative sex communities who has written many scholarly and popular articles on sexual consent, communication, and ethics and who consults and gives workshops on safe, pleasurable, and ethical sex in the context of the Berlin club and rave scene. We’ll examine how we can communicate about and enjoy good, pleasurable sex that respects the agency of everyone involved. Among the topics Professor Kukla will discuss: How to figure out what gives us pleasure; how to safely try out new activities that we’re not sure we will like; how to communicate well about sex with our potential partners; and how to manage power differentials within sex. Looking ahead to future generations, Professor Kukla also will discuss how to raise children who will be capable of respecting their partners and of understanding and advocating for their own sexual desires and boundaries. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva

Come kick back with the Black Code Collective! We'll be on the second floor by the main entrance in the mall!

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

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!

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow