Astrophysics

Social Sips & Bites friends, we heard you. A few of you reached out asking if we had anything planned for Christmas Eve. Melissa and I are happy to share that yes, we’re putting something together. We’re organizing a relaxed, casual walk through Old Town Alexandria, followed by a cozy group dinner at (any restaurant we can find open that night). It will be a great chance to enjoy the festive lights, have good conversation, and spend time together before the holiday. This will be a small, and fun group.

World Learning Toastmasters Club meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. We are a fun loving group of professionals looking to develop our public speaking and leadership skills. Take a break from your work and come join us for a fun afternoon. All guests are welcome! Closest Metro station: Either McPherson Square (white house exit) or Farragut North. For more information about the club, please visit http://worldlearningtoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/

**Alert!!! WINTER 12:00 NOON Starting time!!!** **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride - Swing's Coffee Del Ray * START LOC: Bluemont Park Tennis Courts * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5](https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5) * START PARKING: Bluemont Park Tennis Parking Area (with Restrooms) * ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm ***\*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLLING: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 19.6 miles * PACE: 11-13 mph (a "social" pace) * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_SWINGSDR_2025** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53530479](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53530479) **Notes:** * This ride is organized very "lean" but we will have a sweep. * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, where we visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired but you don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate. The ride is a 19.6 mile medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will ride the Arlington Loop clockwise starting from the Bluemont Tennis Courts on Wilson at 4 Mile Run and go up the Bluemont Junction Trail. We will exit the Loop at the Long Bridge Connector, around the Natatorium and down through National Landing to Monroe St. Our coffee stop is at **[Swing's Coffee Bar](https://swingscoffee.com/locations/del-ray/)** on Monroe in Del Ray located at about mile 12.1. After the stop we will ride up Dewitt, Mt Jefferson, and and Commonwealth to the rejoin the loop at Mt Vernon Ave. You are not required to drink or even like coffee. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Bluemont Tennis Parking Area (with Restrooms) Wilson Blvd & N Manchester St Arlington, VA 22203 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5](https://goo.gl/maps/6VkzVaS72LKGn9nr5) We will meet in the parking lot. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

Visit us at http://1792.toastmastersclubs.org/ The meeting promptly starts at 7:00 PM. The agenda comprises of: • Pledge of Allegiance, • Toastmaster of the Evening leads the meeting, • Thought of the Day, • Joke of the Day, • Formal Speakers, • Table Topics, • General Evaluation & Evaluation of Speakers, • Timers Report, • Selection of Best Speaker, Table Topic, and Evaluator, • Adjourn

http://toastedbyproxy.toastmastersclubs.org/ Toasted By Proxy Toastmasters Club #899228 is a unique group dedicated to achieving individual professional and personal communication and leadership goals. We are an open club and welcomes all to join us! Every LUNCH MEETING IS AN OPEN HOUSE! Updates: We meet regularly from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on the 2nd and4th Wednesday of the month at the Universities at Shady Grove, Building III, Room 4203, 9636 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. See our "Meeting Information / Directions" page for a detailed map. (http://toastedbyproxy.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html)

After our museum visit, we’re heading to OM Indian Restaurant for a flavorful group lunch, and you’re invited! To accommodate our large group, the restaurant has generously offered a special pre-set menu just for us: Menu Includes: • Appetizer: 1 Vegetable Samosa • Entrees: Mix Vegetable Curry, Channa Masala (chickpeas curry), Chicken Korma, and Butter Chicken • Sides: Rice and Naan • Dessert: Rice Pudding 💲 Cost: $25 per person (gratuity not included) We’ll be calling the restaurant ahead of time to confirm our group size so they can prepare accordingly. Because of this, accurate attendance is very important - **if you RSVP, please make sure you are 100% committed to attending.** Looking forward to continuing the fun and food together!

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Divino with our special Feast of the Seven Pastas, a festive tribute to Northern Italy’s rich culinary traditions. For $70 per person, enjoy a chef-crafted menu featuring seven exquisite pasta dishes, each prepared in-house with seasonal ingredients. From seafood risotto to ricotta cavatelli and comforting agnolotti, every dish showcases the artistry of Italian cuisine. Our dining room will be beautifully decorated for the holiday season, offering a warm and inviting ambiance for gathering with family and friends. Optional wine pairings and festive desserts are available to enhance your evening, making this a truly memorable celebration. Let us take you on a delicious journey through Italian flavors while you create lasting memories with your loved ones. With limited seating for this exclusive event, we encourage you to reserve your table soon. Make this Christmas Eve unforgettable—book your spot at Divino today! For Reservations **[CLICK HERE](https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1390855&restref=1390855&experienceId=609642&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared)** (202) 643-4065 === MENU === **First Course** **LIGURIA** **Trofie con broccolini pesto** **VENETO** **Potato gnocchi, brown butter, sage** **** **Second Course** **LOMBARDY** **Risotto Milanese with seafood** **PUGLIA** **Hand-rolled ricotta cavatelli and pomodoro** **** **Third Course** **PIEMONTE** **Agnolotti del plin, manzo brasato** **LAZIO** **Rigatoni Carbonara, guanciale, pecorino** **** **Fourth Course** **EMILIA ROMAGNA** **Lasagna alla Bolognese** **Dessert** **Chocolate Mousse or Tiramisu**

Suffering post-Christmas letdown? Then come to the Silver Diner at 1250 Half Street SE, Washington, DC for some post-Christmas cheer! Located just blocks from Navy Yard Metro on the Green Line and across the street from Nationals Park, the Silver Diner is two stories and features an ever-rotating menu with everything from vegan to vegetarian to gluten-free to omnivore. Driving is NOT recommended. Parking is expensive and difficult to find. NOTE THE FIRST: The Navy Yard Metro station's Nationals Park entrance is closed. Only the New Jersey Ave. entrance is open. Please allow some extra time to account for this and any other service changes. I will post service changes the week before the event. NOTE THE SECOND: If the weather calls for sleet, ice, wintry mix, or lots of snow, I'm rescheduling the event for January 2026. See you soon and Happy Holidays! Jenny

Hi Everybody. Let's return to St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Old Town North for our book session this week. It's near the corner of Asaph and Montgomery Streets.. There is a large table in the back for our group.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!