British History

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

To Attend, please register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154) Experience a wonderful concert from visiting Portuguese and Brazilian musicians. Including Portuguese food, drink, and more! EXCLUSIVE CONCERT BY A VISITING PORTUGUESE MUSICIAN: Voice and guitar duo with Mariana Arroja and Vinicius Gomes to celebrate World Portuguese Language Day! It is one of America’s closest friends in Europe, as well as one of the hottest tourist destinations for travelers. Portugal is a country that embraces a spirit of warmth, elegance, beauty, and adventure like no other. Tonight, H.E. Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes is opening up his magnificent residence for an exclusive visit for our members. It is a chance to meet him and the diplomats from the embassy, taste authentic Portuguese cuisine, experience Portuguese culture, enjoy a concert from visiting native celebrity Portuguese musicians, and marvel at the beauty of this unique residence! This event is organized in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Washington, DC, and the Embassy of Brazil. **FEATURING:** 1) **DIPLOMATIC GREETING**: H.E. Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes will personally welcome you to his home and offer remarks about his country. The embassy will also invite other diplomats from various departments to meet and greet you and answer any questions you may have. 2) **PORTUGUESE FOOD PREPARED BY THE AMBASSADOR'S CHEF:** As if we were in a popular restaurant in Lisbon, tonight’s dinner comes from the embassy’s hand-picked chef who cooks exclusively for the embassy’s events. Enjoy samples of exciting native Portuguese food. 3) **PORTUGUESE WINE & REFRESHMENTS:** A special array of Portuguese wines and other nonalcoholic drinks. 4) **EXCLUSIVE NATIVE PORTUGUESE MUSICAL CONCERT FROM VISITING CELEBRITY MUSICIANS!** **About the Artists**, bios and photos attached. * Mariana Arroja (PT) is a Portuguese singer, songwriter, and film producer known for her multidisciplinary and innovative approach to Fado. Trained in music composition with Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza and acclaimed composer Vardan Ovsepian, Mariana collaborates with world-class musicians to craft a contemporary Fado language rooted in emotional authenticity. * Vinicius Gomes (BRAZIL) explores the dialogue between modern jazz and Brazilian music, as registered on "Resiliência" (2017- Blackstream), "Changes" (2020-FreshSound - in collaboration with saxophonist Santi De la Rubia featuring drummer Jorge Rossy and bassist Doug Weiss), "Home" (2022- Greenleaf - in duo with singer Song Yi Jeon), and the most recent “Boundless Species” (2026-La Reserve - in collaboration with singer Jamile and bassist Joe Martin). His next solo album is scheduled for 2026 with special guest Toninho Horta, plus John Patitucci, Julian Shore, Rogerio Boccato and others. **About the World Portuguese Language Day:** The date of 5 May was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) - an intergovernmental organization that has been in official partnership with UNESCO since 2000, and which brings together peoples with the Portuguese language as one of the foundations of their specific identity - to celebrate the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. In 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference decided to proclaim 5 May of each year as "World Portuguese Language Day". The Portuguese language is not only one of the most widespread languages in the world, with more than 265 million speakers spread through all continents, but it is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere. Portuguese remains, today, a major language of international communication and a language with a strong geographical projection, destined to increase. Source: [unesco.org](http://unesco.org/ "http://unesco.org/") . 5) **PORTUGUESE ART**: Throughout this beautiful residence, we will experience Portuguese paintings and artifacts. Because of the nature of the event, we are limiting the number of people who attend. So, early registration is encouraged. Note: All funds collected are going to help with the expenses of the event. The embassy is not receiving any profit or funds towards this event. To Attend, please register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154)

**Unlocking the Power of the Gospel: A Journey Through the Book of Romans** Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel? Join us for an inspiring and in-depth study of the **Book of Romans**, often called the "Greatest Letter Ever Written." Romans is a masterpiece of theology, grace, and practical living. Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just beginning to explore the depths of Scripture, this study will offer fresh insights into God's plan for humanity and His incredible love for you. ### **Why Study Romans?** * **Discover the Foundation:** Understand the core truths of salvation, justification by faith, and the transformative power of God's grace. * **Find Strength in Truth:** Explore how the "Chief Cornerstone" provides a firm foundation for our lives, no matter what challenges we face. * **Practical Transformation:** Learn how to move from theological understanding to everyday devotion, living as "living sacrifices" in a modern world. * **Build Community:** Connect with fellow students and seekers as we journey together through Paul’s most profound letter. ### **What to Expect** Each session will feature engaging teaching, thought-provoking group discussions, and a warm environment where questions are welcomed. We will move beyond just "reading" the text to truly *investigating* how these ancient truths apply to our contemporary walk with God. **Come and see why this book has sparked every major spiritual awakening in history.** Let’s grow in faith, speak the truth in love, and be built together into a community centered on Christ. **We can’t wait to meet you there!**

We will play ***Stupor Mundi***. However, we only have one copy, and it only plays 4 players. If we get more than 4 RSVPs, we will play additional Nestore Mangone designed games, such as ***Shackleton Base: A Journey to the Moon***. If you can bring copies of either of these games, let us know in the comments. From the publisher about ***Stupor Mundi***: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Germany and Italy, was a man of extraordinary culture, energy, and ability. His contemporaries called him "stupor mundi" ("the wonder of the world"), and many historians consider him Europe's first modern ruler. The kingdom Frederick established in Sicily and southern Italy ran on an efficient bureaucracy similar to modern, centrally governed kingdoms. As one of Frederick II's vassals in ***Stupor Mundi***, you will summon allies from around the Mediterranean, build structures in your castle, and promote specialists to improve your kingdom. You may improve your chances by upgrading your castles: towers house additional allies, walls store more resources, and keeps aid in managing action cards. Through a clever card-selection mechanism, you will have to choose actions carefully, some of which will trigger edicts that affect Frederick's palace and determine the rewards players may receive from their allies. Do you stay loyal to the Emperor, or do you support independent allies? Keep a close eye on what your opponents do and form alliances at the right time — or go your own way when things get too heated...

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Good Afternoon Friends. TGIMonday' Hope you had a great weekend \~ FREE Event YES Free EVENT! FREE Admission - Join the TEMP group here --- https://chat.whatsapp.com/JcfLXIAHJS4FXWYLMVcjpL \~ SO Our ANNUAL SPRING NETWORKING Event is HERE :: Thursday, April 30 Second Level of "McGinty's Public House" ( 911 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910 ) We do this every year \~ We expect a goooood turnout this year... ALSO This is a MULTI MEETUP EVENT' FREE Event YES Free EVENT! FREE Admission - Join the TEMP group here --- https://chat.whatsapp.com/JcfLXIAHJS4FXWYLMVcjpL \~ For all the SouthAsian Events in the Washington DC Metro Area (DMV) --- Follow us on ... https://www.instagram.com/official_dc_bollywood_events/ ( 92,300 + Followers ) Join our dedicated' -- Official DMV SouthAsian Events WhatsApp Group (430+ Members) :: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FgT5e2FRNChCf6x3JKuCeK Regards - Manan Singh KATOHORA' https://www.instagram.com/official_dc_bollywood_events/reels/ ... .. .

We have an opportunity to take a guided group tour of the International Spy Museum at L'Enfant Plaza! And maybe some drinks at The Wharf afterwards... Please RSVP by EOD Friday, March 27th so that we can submit a preliminary head count. After we send the count, details on pricing, payment options, and final schedule will follow in this space. UPDATE: Preliminary head count has been submitted! If you have still not RSVPd, please do so by Friday, April 3rd - RSVPs will be closed after that date. The cost is $25/person, payable via Venmo to Jay Heath. We are planning to meet in the lobby at 3 PM, with the first hour of the tour being guided, the second hour an individual tour. Parking is $30 with a six foot height limit, and the closest Metro is L'Enfant Plaza. We can discuss grabbing post-tour dinner and drinks afterwards, but the Wharf is nearby with lots of options! UPDATE 4/4: RSVPs are now closed. Since all attendees are on our Whatsapp group chat, we will discuss further details there.

This will be our last meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please read: Chapter 7: The Empire of Reason **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I recommend using an AI tool like ChatGPT to ask these questions: * What does Matthew Stewart say about the empire of reason in his book Nature's God? I hope to see you there! Fred

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **"Eugenics Then and Now,”** on a dangerous movement in science and its lessons for current research, with Carlo Quintanilla, molecular biologist and health science policy analyst at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now) .] Global concerns about the return of eugenic thinking were reignited by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies, Lulu and Nana. He was quickly condemned by the scientific community and jailed for illegal medical practice, but he and others around the world continue experiments with goals echoing eugenic ambitions. As genetic technologies advance at extraordinary speed, society faces a new set of ethical questions about shaping the traits of future generations. Are we entering a new era of eugenics? If so, how should we respond? Hear such questions tackled by Carlo Quintanilla, who studied rare genetic mutations in human disease as a graduate research scientist and instructor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now works at the intersection of genomic medicine, science, and society. Dr. Quintanilla will begin by discussing the origins and history of eugenics, tracing its development in the 19th and 20th centuries as an idea, a scientific movement, and a set of policies. He’ll examine the rise of Social Darwinism in the United Kingdom, forced sterilization programs in the United States, and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich in the name of “racial hygiene.” From there, he’ll explore how our ability to shape human health and heredity have been transformed by modern reproductive and genetic technologies such as in vitro fertilization, prenatal and embryo screening, and genome editing. You’ll learn how these tools hold enormous promise when it comes to the prevention and cure of rare and debilitating genetic conditions, yet also raise profound questions related to their potential enablement of a new, technologically driven form of eugenics. Dr. Quintanilla will then delve into the ongoing debate among scientists, bioethicists, and policymakers over what should be classified as eugenics today. He’ll highlight recent controversial uses of genetic and reproductive technologies that are pushing ethical boundaries faster than society can define them, from embryo selection for traits like IQ and height to speculative military interest in genetically enhanced soldiers. These examples raise urgent questions: Where should society draw ethical boundaries? Who gets to decide? And is the term “eugenics” still useful for guiding policy and public debate? We’ll close by examining the social, political, and regulatory forces that will determine the future, considering whether they will restrain the push toward further genetic control or accelerate it. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The frontispiece of the 1883 book Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development, by pioneering eugenicist Francis Galton (Wikimedia Commons / Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Join the Firefly House in our celebration of Beltane! We'll begin to gather at about 1pm and the ritual will begin closer to 1:30pm after we settle in and hang out for a bit. For what we think might be the first time, at least in recent Firefly House memory, we're going to incorporate taste in our grounding and centering and the closing of our ritual! We will also have our maypole set up and ready for a dance during our ritual to celebrate the season and the work that our ancestors would have accomplished by this part of the year in more agrarian societies. After the ritual, join us for a pot luck feast (or at least, a pot luck mid-afternoon snack 😅) as we enjoy the out doors and what looks like it might be a very pleasant Saturday afternoon. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Please arrive early (no later than 7:30) to stretch out and warm up. Wear a black jersey and bring a pair of shin guards.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

Join us for a discussion of ***Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives* by Siddharth Kara** Here's the summary: An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all. Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt. Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

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

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan