Bucket List

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

**Is the "wisdom of the crowd" a real phenomenon?** In an era of deepfakes and decaying institutional trust, a new kind of "Truth Machine" is rising: **Prediction Markets**. By forcing participants to put their money where their mouths are, these markets claim to filter out bias and reward objective reality. But can we actually "bet" our way to a more rational society? Join the Fairfax Freethinkers for a deep dive into the Epistemology of Prediction Markets. We will explore how "skin in the game" might fix our broken information ecosystems—and where it might lead us into a new kind of dystopia. I bet you can't resist attending! ; ) I encourage everyone to bring food to share! ***Thoughts/Questions*:** \- Is there truth behind the wisdom of the crowd? What about the mob mentality and collective delusions? \- What are the benefits/risks of using predictive markets as an epistemic tool? \- How do human biases like tribal play a role? Can a system built on economic rationality ever truly account for our basies\, such as needing to feel right? \- Does this market simply measure knowledge/reality\, or shape it? **The Death of the Expert** \- Is the world becoming more decentralized with crytpocurrency \(economic\)\, populism \(government\)\, AI and predictive markets \(knowledge\)? \- In a decentralized market\, does a PhD matter less than a profitable portfolio? \- What are the advantages of the democratic element to prediction markets? Credentials\, status\, or pedigree do not matter\. Only accuracy does\. \- Does "skin in the game" filters out bias and irrationality? \- What is the risk of an epistemic plutocracy \(the truth is determined by the most money\)? \- Does the move from centralized to decentralized knolwege actually bypass institutions\, or will it inevitably re\-create them? At what point does a decentralized truth machine become a centralized council of judges? **Role in Scientific Knowledge** Science is currently facing a "reproducibility crisis"—many landmark studies simply cannot be replicated. We will compare our current scientific method against a market-integrated approach: * The Current Model: Relies on peer review, institutional prestige, and "publish or perish" incentives. It is slow, prone to gatekeeping, and often rewards "interesting" results over "true" ones. * The Market Model: Uses financial "skin in the game" to validate claims. If a researcher publishes a study, others bet on its replication. If it fails, the "proposers" lose money. * The Question: Would you trust a medical study more if you knew 10,000 independent actors had bet their own money that it was true? Can a profit motive truly replace the scientific method, or does it prioritize "profitable" science over ethical research? * Acoording to some, we currently approach science by "blind evolution"—we throw ideas at the wall and see what sticks. If prediction markets can tell us which "crank theories" have a 10% chance of being true (versus 0.01%), should we divert all our research funding to those signals? (See final link below). * Can a financial market force a level of intellectual honesty that a peer-review panel cannot? **Policy and "Decision Markets"** The [NPR report](https://www.wnyc.org/story/the-problems-with-prediction-markets/) discusses how the new administration is clearing the way for people to bet on policy outcomes. Should politicians be influenced if most people predict a negative outcome of a policy? ***Podcast and Articles:*** [https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719312/the-problems-with-prediction-markets](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719312/the-problems-with-prediction-markets) [https://medium.com/@devdollzai/the-epistemology-of-prediction-markets-81a79de49488](https://medium.com/@devdollzai/the-epistemology-of-prediction-markets-81a79de49488) [https://paradigmresearch.substack.com/p/prediction-markets-as-epistemic-tools?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web](https://paradigmresearch.substack.com/p/prediction-markets-as-epistemic-tools?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web) Super deep dive [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ajes.12546](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ajes.12546)

**CHILL N CHESS/CHECKERS** Come play!! Classic, clock, social. Social checkers and chess club. We play both chess and [American Pool Checkers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pool_Checkers) (not your kindergarten checkers!). Come chill with us, get your mind in the game. We offer Blunder Support Groups ;) 🤦‍♂️ **How’s your week?** Did you hang a queen? Fork yourself? Promote to *rook* instead of queen? 😭 > **Don’t worry—we’ve all been there.** > (Literally. We meet weekly. Bring snacks.) **Parking/transit:** Street parking. Folks find spots right on 16th ST. There are private parking lots in Adams Morgan. For public transportation: Fiv-six city blocks away from Columbia Heights Metro stop. Same block for bus stops: D60 and D6X on 16th St. A 7 minute walk from the C51 bus stop and same block for D72 bus stops on Columbia. We limit spots to 7 players from/on meetup in order to maintain space for everyone -our regulars and players from other signups

Strenuous 19-mile, out-and-back, go-at-your-own pace, hike on one of the prettiest stretches of the towpath, with a 15-mile, out-and-back, option. Both hikes begin at Pennyfield Lock (mile 19.6). The 19-mile hikers go north, turn around at Mile Post 26, pass Pennyfield Lock, hike south to mile 16.6 (.4 miles past the Mile Post 17), turn around, and return to Pennyfield Lock. The 15-mile hikers go north, turn around at Mile Post 25, pass Pennyfield Lock, turn around at mile 17.5, and return to Pennyfield Lock. Bring water, lunch or snacks, and sun protection. Dress for the weather. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program. Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/) (ODH)—a 100 or 50 km hike along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) and/or contact Mike Darzi ([mike.darzi@gmail.com](http://mike.darzi@gmail.com/)). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to [onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io.](http://onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io./) Other training hikes will be posted on SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/). If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) and/or contact Mike Darzi ([mike.darzi@gmail.com](http://mike.darzi@gmail.com/)). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to [onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io.](http://onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io./) You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) . Leaders: Russ Norfleet & Dave Torraca

Start and end in Antananarivo! With the Wildlife tour Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour, the adventure taking you through Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Morondava and covers other local sightseeing in Madagascar. Highlights Visited Places: Antananarivo Andasibe Antsirabe Morondava Travel Experience: National parks Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Baobabs and Lemurs Tour Local cuisine Itinerary Day01 Antananarivo Day02 Antananarivo - Andasibe Day03 Andasibe Day04 Andasibe - Antsirabe Day05 Antsirabe - Morondava Day06 Morondava Day07 Morondava - Antsirabe Day08 Antsirabe - Antananarivo Day09 Antananarivo Price: $5590 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes 8 nights hotel stay Breakfasts at hotel All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) Airport transfer Experienced guides/Tour leader Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes Flights Meals Personal Expenses Optional activities Travel insurance / Visa Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/madagascar-9-days-adventure-baobabs-and-lemurs/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Let us enjoy a wonderful evening stroll at Great Falls - Maryland. Please note there is a $10 / car or $35 / annual entrance pass. The annual is well worth it to revisit this beautiful location. For those interested, there is an option to have yummy pizza nearby at Potomac Pizza afterwards. We will meet at 5pm in front of the Visitor Tavern Center.

Aim for a bullseye! Join us for a high-energy English conversation social at the axe-throwing lanes. ​Practice your speaking skills while hitting targets—no experience needed, just bring closed-toe shoes! It would be around $10 per person.

**Gold Mine and Great Falls Overlook. A Moderate 6.5 Mile Hike** THIS IS A SECOND HIKE THAT IS LISTED FOR GOLD MINE DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THIS HIKE STARTS AT GREAT FALLS PARK MD BECAUSE OF LIMITED PARKING AT ANGLER'S INN. NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. This hike features the remnants of a quirky gold mine and the classic overlook of Great Falls. The mine was established by a Union soldier who was stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls during the Civil War. He noticed a glint of gold and after the war, he returned to the area, bought some farmland, and started mining for gold. Eventually, 30 small mines were opened by various prospectors. One of the largest mines was the Maryland Mine. Today, little remains of these mines, but there is a loop trail that passes by one of them. The hike starts at the Great Falls Maryland Parking lot. The hike passes by the mine remains, and offers splendid views overlooking the Potomac river and visits the classic overlook of Great Falls. All who sign up will go on the waitlist. Wednesday afternoon, hikers will be moved to "going" based upon their ranking on the going or waitlist of the original hike. **Please note**: You must sign up by 9:00 PM the night before the hike. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Directions to Trailhead**: The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334 The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot. NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 590 ft Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead Fees: $20 or National Park Pass **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/690036e3ff6946c13bced978e7393968725ea6a1ed2958c0052a973f390e4af3). **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

**Inflow 6:00 PM - Talks Start \~6:30 PM** **Reston Community Center - 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191** NoVA Hackers is a group located in the Northern Virginia area and is made up of Information Security Professionals from all walks of life, from government and private sector, to students and beginners. The monthly meetings are held much like a mini-conference with 4-8 speakers and only a few basic but strict rules. Participation and Permission Active Participation is required for continued membership and is the only due required. Permission is required to be obtained from anyone providing information to the group from the person providing it to be made public by anyone other than the provider. Historically our talks generally run a bit late and we have a hard stop at 9:30pm for the room. If you want to socialize we recommend you arrive at 6 to meet and greet before the talks. Agendas and remote meeting option available after you join the group.

Join the [Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://www.loudounwildlife.org/) and [A Fighting Chance Foundation](https://www.afightingchancefoundation.org/about) for a special fundraising event at Lost Rhino Brewing in Ashburn VA on Friday, March 13th. Come out to enjoy a fun Friday night of music, friendship, and great food and drinks, all for two great causes! **Special musical guests** – The Outpatients (Northern VA band well known for their Americana musical mayhem). **Tickets: $10** at the door, with all proceeds benefiting Loudoun Wildlife and A Fighting Chance. Lost Rhino is also graciously donating **10%** of all sales to both organizations. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is a volunteer-powered nonprofit working to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat while shaping a Loudoun where people and wildlife thrive together. Learn more at: [https://www.loudounwildlife.org](https://www.loudounwildlife.org/) A Fighting Chance is ensures that all pets are given the best chance possible to recover from a life-threatening medical condition or accident regardless of the financial circumstances of their caregivers. Learn more at: [https://www.afightingchancefoundation.org/about](https://www.afightingchancefoundation.org/about)

Hold on to your hat and grip your racing heart because the grand South Africa Road Trip is about to start. If you are craving for excitement and all things peaceful under the Sun, then sign up for the crazy mixed bag of adventures and wanderings at South Africa right now. Explore the innumerable gems of Cape Town and soak in the charms of the Cape Peninsula. Sample the famous wines of the world at the Winelands and enjoy a scenic cable car ride too at the mountain peak. Savor the thrill of the game drives through the National Parks and enjoy hikes, skydives, paraglide, and more before heading back home. Highlights Visited Places: • Cape Peninsula • Hout Bay • Chapman’s peak drive • Cape of Good Hope • Simon’s Town • Stellenbosch Winelands • Garden Route • Jefferey Bay • Addo Elephant National Park • Oudtshoorn Travel Experience: • Heli-flip • Hiking • Paragliding • Long drives • Wine-tasting • Cable car ride • National Park Tour • Ostrich farm tour Tour Start Cape Town Tour End Cape Town Destination SOUTH AFRICA Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 12 pm (flexible) • Return: Day10 anytime after 9am (flexible) Airport: Cape Town International Airport Meeting Point * The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. * More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp Itinerary Day01 Cape Town Day02 Capetown Day03 Cape Winelands Day04 Cape Point Day05 CAPE TOWN - OUDTSHOORN Day06 OUDTSHOORN - ADDO Day07 ADDO - JEFFREYS BAY Day08 JEFFREYS BAY - SEDGEFIELD Day09 SEDGEFIELD - CAPE TOWN Day10 Cape Town —————————————————————— For a detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat, follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/south-africa-cape-town-with-garden-route/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/south-africa-cape-town-with-garden-route/) Cost: $3290 pp $3990 pp (Single) Inclusions Price Includes Cape Town Pick-up & Drop-off service (±10km radius from Cape Town CBD) * Transport to tour highlights * Airport transfer * 9 nights accommodation * 9 Breakfasts Entry fees & Activities as listed: * Explore the Cape by City Sightseeing Bus * Table Mountain Cable Car Ride * Tsitsikamma National Park Hike * Addo Game Drive in Tour Van * Chill Out at J’Bay * Browse Hout Bay Harbour * Curve Along Chapman’s Peak Drive * Cape of Good Hope Entry * Ostrich Farm Tour * Cango Caves Heritage or Adventure Tour * Knysna Heads Hike * Wilderness Canoeing * Fairview Cheese + Wine Pairing (or similar) * Franschhoek Wine Tram ride to Rickety Bridge * Rickety Bridge Wine tasting (or similar) Price Excludes * Visa Fee * Flights * ​Tips * Travel insurance * Personal expenditures * Meals other then specified in the itinerary Questions? Text / Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer