Astrophysics

Come kick back with the Black Code Collective! We'll be on the second floor by the main entrance in the mall! Ample parking in the Ballston Mall garage. Parking available on the street as well.

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/

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Science of Making Friends,”** with Marisa G. Franco, assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of Maryland’s Honors College and author of the *New York Times* best-seller *Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends.* Friends matter. They’ve been shown to improve mental and physical health, with one study of very happy people finding that their most defining characteristic was being socially connected. Yet friendship networks have been shrinking over the last few decades as people have coped with distraction, burnout, and chaos. It doesn’t help that we live in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships. How do we make and keep friends? What’s the secret to finding “your people” in an ever-more-fragmented world? Learn what science says about making friends in this interactive talk by Dr. Marisa Franco, a psychologist who has extensively researched human connection and systemic loneliness and whose book *Platonic* has been extensively lauded as a source of great practical advice. You’re never too old to make new friendships or deepen longstanding ones. Along with giving you an understanding of the scientific study of friendship, this talk will teach you practical steps you can take to build better connections with others to be happier and more fulfilled. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

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

​What if the American small farm could double as a high-tech power plant and farmers could become their own bank? Join us at PubKey DC for an exploration of a new frontier in rural land use. We’re sitting down with Mark Smith, CEO of [Carbon Country](https://www.carboncountry.us/), and Hunter Budd from the Digital Energy Council to break down a scalable model for the modern grower. 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/fdvf8zd4) You’ll get an inside look at how integrating agrivoltaics (solar + grazing) with on-site Bitcoin mining creates a financial "flywheel" for regenerative agriculture. By monetizing excess energy and sequestering carbon through biochar, this model offers small farms a path toward energy independence and diversified revenue. Come find out how the intersection of Bitcoin and land stewardship is building a more resilient, decentralized grid—one pasture at a time. Read more about [Carbon Country on their website](https://www.carboncountry.us/). 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/fdvf8zd4) ​**About the Bitcoin District Initiative** This event was organized by The Bitcoin District Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a grassroots Bitcoin circular economy in Washington, DC through education, business onboarding, and community outreach programs. If you’d like to get involved or support the Initiative, visit [https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org](https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org/).

Join DC Metro Crafts for an additional meetup this month, this time in NW at the MLK LIbrary in Chinatown. We'll be in room 401-A. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft.

🎤 **Calling all mid-week vibe seekers!** Let's gather for good food and tasty drinks (Happy Hour ends at 7PM) while enjyong the finger-snapping, toe-tapping patrons gracing us with their talents during Open Mic Night. *Will YOU take the mic?* 📅 **Date:** Wednesday, Feb 25th 🕖 **Time:** 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM EDT 📍 **Location:** 🍽️ **LISP Lounge** 🎶 \| 6339 Allentown Road Temple Hills, MD 20748 🎟️ **Entry:** FREE 🚗 **Parking:** Onsite, FREE All right, **BLACK EVERYWHERE,** let's enjoy good folks, good food, and good vibes!

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.

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create 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 Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

We meet typically from 12:15 to 1:15 PM on the second and fourth Fridays of the month in Conference Room 2E908 at the National Cancer Institute http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/ For details on Directions and Security Check-in: http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html

Bitcoin District is a community of Bitcoiners living & working in the greater DMV metro area. Join us for a "Coffee & Bitcoin" meetup where we'll talk about what's happening in the world of Bitcoin. 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/g4a1tknf) This is an easygoing, open-door gathering where anyone curious about Bitcoin can ask questions and meet the local community. No presentations, no pressure — just good coffee, good conversation, and a space to talk about what’s happening in the Bitcoin world. New to Bitcoin, actively building, or simply interested in connecting with the local community? Stop by, say hello, and spend a Saturday morning with us. Checkout the cafe's menu: [https://www.opencitycathedraldc.com/](https://www.opencitycathedraldc.com/) **Getting There:** ​🚗 Free Parking (on Saturdays) by the Cafe 🚇 30-min walk from Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Organ **⚠️ Our events are Bitcoin focused and we generally avoid discussing other coins & tokens. Nothing discussed during this meetup is financial advice. Always do your own research.** 👉 [RSVP on LUMA](https://luma.com/g4a1tknf)

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

This event is for women only. We will meet for coffee and a bite to eat at a local cafe.

***Nucleum*** is a heavy euro board game in which players take role of industrialists trying to succeed during the economic and technological boom of 19th-century Saxony, fueled by the invention and spread of the Nucleum (a nuclear reactor). https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/396790/nucleum Light Refreshments are provided. Limited Guest Parking is available for Free if notified 24hrs in advance. We are right on the NOMA Red Line Metro Stop. Please RSVP so we can account for Snacks.

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

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

Optimistic Orators Toastmasters non-profit speech improvement group. No materials needed.

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

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

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