Climate Science

Title: On Quantizing General Relativity Date: Jan 17 2026 Noon -14:00 EST Summary: Why has a century passed without anyone developing a persuasive, broadly accepted, and experimentally predictive unified theory of quantum mechanics and general relativity? In this presentation, Terry will begin by explaining how Einstein’s post-1911 adoption of the Minkowski concept of an infinitely smooth spacetime fabric destroyed any possibility of such a merger by making spacetime infinitely classical, and thus inherently incompatible with the quantum reality of all forms of matter and energy. Next, Terry will discuss how the concept of infinitely smooth spacetime, in combination with similarly cost-indifferent field theories, wasted a century of theorizing by loading empty space with non-existent, asymptotically infinitely energies that exist only briefly in very-high-energy physics. Finally, Terry will discuss how recognizing that quantum observation is nothing more than acceleration. Terry reframes general relativity as the remnant of relationships remaining after massive observation creates localized instances of spacetime. Speaker: Terry Bollinger is a computer scientist with BS, MS, and professional degrees from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

We’re actively sourcing emotionally intelligent, growth-oriented singles for current matchmaking clients — and this post is your invite to be considered. 📝 This is not a live or in-person event. It’s a matchmaking spotlight — and a chance for the *right* men and women to express interest in being matched. *** ### 🧩 Our Current Roster Includes: * **🏅 A professional athlete in his 50s** — successful and focused, looking for his wife. Limited details available — must be a client for consideration. * **🩺 A 49-year-old doctor in Jacksonville** — grounded, sharp, a proud mom, social and fit, loves golf, and lives life with joy and intention. * **⚖️ A 33-year-old NYC attorney** — confident, romantic, emotionally self-aware. She's seeking an equally successful, ambitious partner who values communication and growth. * **🚀 A 33-year-old Dallas entrepreneur** — financially secure, emotionally mature, and looking for a balanced, soft southern woman. He blends kindness, masculinity, and intention beautifully. *** ### 👉 If you’re interested in being matched: 📲 MEN **Text your name, age, location, a recent photo, and a short message about the kind of relationship you’re looking for to 917-451-6561.** Women up to age 34 may also text if interested in these matches. 🔹 Please note: We do not typically offer complimentary matchmaking. If you're not a current client or approved match, [please be prepared to schedule a consultation. ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)

Hike changed due to road closure! This is a secluded out and back hike in the Veach Gap area of the George Washington National Forest near Front Royal, VA. Most of the hike is a gradual ascent through Veach Gap, with a beautiful overlook at the high point. We'll meet at the Veach Gap Trailhead at 1000 AM. COORDINATES ARE 38.87611, -78.377781 The group will move at the usual pace (around 2.5 mph) and stop for a break at the top to enjoy the view. Expect the hike to take about 3.5 hours. Don't forget water and something to eat! Afterwards we’ll head to Vibrissa Brewing in Front Royal for a drink and something more to eat. They have a full menu of food. Hike link: https://myhikes.org/trails/veach-gap-and-south-fork-overlook-hike Brewery link: https://vibrissabeer.com/front-royal/ CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! Please consider carpooling - the parking lot is small! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. By signing up for this event, you acknowledge and agree that Late Morning Hikers, its volunteer organizers, and drivers who volunteer to carpool are not responsible or liable for accidents, injuries, damage, or losses that may occur while traveling to or from the hike. Late Morning Hikers does not condone or encourage impaired driving. Drivers are expected to follow applicable laws and make responsible transportation choices. We look forward to hiking with you! **Background information about the group:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/)

**\*\*Please note we are starting 15 minutes early because of a conflict with the room at 2:45 pm.\*\*** Embarking on an exploration of African philosophy before the modern era immediately raises surprising questions of scope, method, and interpretation. We might think we know what we mean by the term “Africa,” but if we are referring to the continent, then we have to ask questions such as: should we start our investigation with Saint Augustine? He was, after all, ethnically an African Berber. Yet it seems obvious that he fits more comfortably into the European philosophical tradition. What about the thought of ancient Egypt, wherefrom we can trace an influence on the Greeks, especially regarding mathematics? Moreover, both Christianity and Islam extended their reach into Africa. When we encounter their influence, should we treat them as alien interventions, or as ways of thinking that integrated into African cultures? Methodological problems emerge because much of the wisdom traditions of Africa were never recorded in writing but were passed down orally across generations. Can any of the ideas of those traditions be recovered? If so, is there any way of understanding them on their own terms, or do they inevitably become polluted by the modern, and often colonial, interpretations through which they are viewed? Indeed, examining African philosophy raises definitional questions: should we consider philosophy to be something done by the elite scholars and sages of a society, or should it refer to the wider worldview of the culture itself, as its people grapple with questions of being, knowledge, and the best ways to live together? Furthermore, if we don’t think of Africa as a mere landmass, but in terms of culture, then we must ask: is there a singular African culture? While scholars sometimes sought for a monolithically “African” philosophy in the past, it seems clear that there are a diversity of cultural and philosophical traditions that must be accounted for. For our purposes, we will leave aside Augustine (whom we previously addressed in detail as part of the Greco-Roman canon) and examine three areas of African philosophy for which contemporary scholars have found enough material to extensively analyze. First, due to the existence of a written record, the thought of ancient Egypt and its sages are available to us to some degree. We will read some secondary scholarship that can give us at least a fragmentary look into a world far removed from ours that seems very different, yet at the same time familiar. Next, the Ethiopian thinker Zera Yacob and his protege Walda Heywat wrote their “Hatatas,” or inquiries, in the 1500s, and demonstrated that serious philosophical thinking was occurring in Africa under an education system that was quite different from the European one. At the same time their thought was influenced by Christianity and its disputes with indigenous traditions, Islam, and Judaism. Yacob recorded the interesting story of his life and in the process asked deep questions about his relationship to his deity and the world, as well as the best way to live. His student Heywat then followed in his footsteps, providing his own philosophical take on perennial questions. Finally, we will read additional secondary literature on a variety of African philosophical topics, including sage philosophy, oral philosophy, what it means to be a person, and the concept of Ubuntu. This month we will read *[The Hatata Inquiries](https://www.amazon.com/Hatata-Inquiries-Seventeenth-Century-Philosophy-Responsibilities/dp/3112214110)*, by Zera Yacob and Walda Heywat, which is available in paperback on Amazon. Please read pages 1-8 and 71-160. The front matter (maps and figures, chronology, histories of the manuscripts) is also of interest. Additionally, please read the following chapters in *[Africana Philosophy from Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Centur](https://www.amazon.com/Africana-Philosophy-Ancient-Nineteenth-Century-ebook/dp/B0F1LLX3WB)y*: 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 20. Each chapter is short, and they total about 90 pages of reading. Chapters 8, 9, 10, and 18 are also informative, but optional. This text is available in print and for Kindle on Amazon. Since we are dealing with pre-modern African philosophy in this session, we will delay exploring philosophy among the African diaspora or modern African thinkers until later meetings. **Secondary Resources** *Wikipedia:* [Zera Yacob](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zera_Yacob_%28philosopher%29) [Walda Heywat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walda_Heywat) [African Philosophy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_philosophy) *Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:* [Africana Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/africana/) [African Sage Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/african-sage/) [Akan Philosophy of the Person (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/akan-person/)

🌱 Kick off 2026 with Strawberry Matcha! Join us for a Saturday of ice skating, exploring museums, or enjoying the museum café, all while meeting new friends. This is our **first event of the year**, so let’s start it off right with fun and meaningful connections! 🗓️ **Date:** Saturday, January 17 ⏰ **Time:** 12:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Sculpture Park Ice Rink, DC (specific meetup point and logistics will be sent to confirmed attendees) This event is public, so feel free to bring a friend (20s and 30s only). If they are not a member yet, no worries! We’ll share how to join Strawberry Matcha when you arrive. RSVP required - https://forms.gle/HjFejQDaJw5Eg1HD8 Please fill out the google form to attend. Follow us on IG - **@strawberrymatcha_sm**

Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences, using the Socratic Method of inquiry (asking and answering questions). Today, there are hundreds of such gatherings, coordinated by volunteers, worldwide. Though this may be considered a "philosophy" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Please post any questions you would like the group to consider on the meetup event's page; in the comments section. Several days before the meetup I will post a link to a voting form in the comments section, and everyone can vote on their preferred questions. The questions with the highest and second highest number of votes will be discussed. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, January 18 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Higher Grounds – Del Ray 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 Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

One of Adventuring's quirkier traditions is a trek on some stretch of the sprawling Gettysburg Battlefield in mid-January, during what statistically should be the coldest time of year. The secret to keeping warm is to maintain an invigorating pace, with fewer and shorter interpretive stops to discuss the events of July 1863. Plus, we always wind up our day by warming up in a cheerful local tavern with suitable refreshments, alcoholic or otherwise. The advantage we derive by traipsing around the battlefield at such a seemingly inauspicious time is that we can see and appreciate things normally blocked to view when the leaves are out. This year, our itinerary will focus on parts of the battlefield involved with Pickett's Charge, perhaps the most spectacular debacle in American military history. We will hike through segments of both Union and Confederate lines and wind up marching in the very footsteps of the brave but doomed Rebels charging across open fields into the maws of the Army of the Potomac. Our story climaxes with perhaps the most heavily witnessed and recorded same-sex kiss in the entire Civil War. Afterwards we shall repair for recuperation and refreshments at an appropriate town watering hole. Total length of our easy-to-moderate loop hike should not exceed 6 miles, with deceptively little elevation gain over rolling and muddy and/or icy terrain. Bring beverages, lunch and sturdy winter-worthy footwear, and dress in layers. Carpool passengers should pay their drivers $15, and everyone will pay the $5 Adventuring trip fee, cash or Venmo. There will be a pit stop en route at a Sheetz for those wishing to draw rations there. We will gather to form our carpool at 9 a.m. on the Sunday of the MLK Birthday weekend in the Kiss & Ride lot of the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station and should return by 6 p.m. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

### 🎿 **Liberty Mountain Ski Weekend – January 17–18, 2026** **📅 When:** Saturday, January 17 – Sunday, January 18, 2026 (Depart early Saturday morning) **📍 Where:** **Liberty Mountain Resort** 78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA 17320 https://www.libertymountainresort.com Lift Ticket - $125 Ski rental - $67 Taxes - $4.02 *** **❄️ Event Details:** Let’s kick off the new year with a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain fun at Liberty Mountain! Whether you’re carving up the slopes or hanging out by the fire with a drink, this trip’s a great way to get outside and connect. **What’s Planned:** * Full day of skiing/snowboarding Saturday * Group lunch on the mountain * Optional night skiing Saturday evening * Relaxed group dinner or drinks afterward * Sunday(Optional): more skiing or a chill morning before heading home *** **🎒 What to Bring:** * Ski/snowboard gear (rentals available on-site) * Lift ticket or season pass (available on-site) * Warm layers, gloves, and goggles (available on-site) * Snacks and water (available on-site) * Your best winter energy! *** **🚌 Rides & Lodging:** Carpools will be organized closer to the date. Group lodging options are being explored — RSVP early if you’re interested in sharing accommodations. *** **✅ RSVP Deadline:** Please RSVP by **January 5, 2026** so we can confirm headcount and coordinate logistics. *** **💬 Questions?** Drop a comment or message the organizer if you’d like to coordinate rides, gear rentals, or just see who else is going! Buy Passes: [https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx](https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx)

Meeting in the big room at George Mason Library in Annandale, VA, for a get-together to celebrate this Meetup group being 11 years old! We will have food and drink. Bring your favorite prints (2 max and any size) that you took in 2025, and bonus points if they were taken at a Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup. This year we will have three prizes: for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Please review the Meeting Room Terms & Conditions. Only light refreshments, such as granola bars and bottled water, are permitted. Additionally, the meeting room must be cleared no later than 5:55 p.m. Users are responsible for room setup, including arrangement of tables and chairs, and cleanup, including returning furniture to its original placement. Setup/cleanup time should be included in the reservation. Groups are expected to leave rooms in an orderly condition promptly at the conclusion of the reserved time.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**$60/2\.5\-hour Class \| Class Limit: 5** Hamiltonian Artists Second Floor, Studio 2 [Registration Link ](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://trishaart.com/classes/p/drop-in-classes&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw07rgL9h-rFd3JRP7l9BSDN) In this introductory course, students will learn the history of Indian woodblock before using the technique for themselves to create a printed piece of fabric from start to finish. I will demonstrate the process before allowing students the opportunity to ask questions and practice. Various examples of patterns and motifs will be shared with the group that they can emulate for their own projects. We will provide a handkerchief for the final project, but students are encouraged to bring their own light-weight cotton objects to use instead.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

(2024) by Christof Koch, 288 pages [Psychology] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=613100 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "A wonderful book."―Sam Harris, Making Sense with Sam Harris “a fun introduction to a number of debates… Mr. Koch’s book provokes questions… and counterarguments, but that’s what gives it life.” ―The Wall Street Journal “Easily the most current, thorough, and helpful exploration of consciousness available. Koch’s light, simple, yet authoritative writing style will appeal to general audiences as well as scientists and researchers. An essential, highly recommended purchase.”―Library Journal “magisterial… charming, sometimes beautiful, and almost always illuminating” ―Science Magazine “an impressive and sometimes exuberant work, showcasing decades of [Koch’s] research”―New Scientist “Koch’s adept use of analogies and entertaining anecdotes — complete with his own near-death experience and psychedelic drug trips — make the book a compelling and surprisingly light read.” ―Science News “undeniably compelling… a smoothly written must-read for anyone interested in a detailed introduction to the relationship between the brain, consciousness, and transformative experiences” ―Ars Technica “Expertly weaving in personal experience with science that few, if any, can speak more authoritatively about, Koch leads us on an amazing journey of consciousness—from birth to death. Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety “Koch’s latest book brilliantly navigates the intricate landscape of our mind and our brain, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of conscious experiences, both ordinary as well as extraordinary ones.”―Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google’s quantum AI lab “Then I Am Myself the World is the new record of note for the scientific understanding of consciousness. This is an elegant tableau, a travelogue of subjective experience grounded in the latest neuroscience and philosophy traversing religion, science, and a life dedicated to the biggest questions. Filled with crystalline prose, lucid explanation, and revelatory honesty, this book will continue to be read centuries from now.”―Patrick House, author of Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness “What would happen if a hardcore neuroscientist, with encyclopedic knowledge and four decades of experience in his field, were personally confronted with transformative mystical experiences carrying inevitable metaphysical implications? What would happen if the neuroscientist in question were open-minded, humble, but remained rigorously grounded in reason, evidence, and his hard-earned understanding of how consciousness relates to brain structures and function? What would he, the most preeminent professional of his generation, make of his extraordinary experiences? And what if, in addition, the neuroscientist was a modern renaissance man versed in physics, philosophy, the arts, the classics, and could pluck irresistibly evocative metaphors from the Western literary and artistic canon as if leisurely picking apples in early fall? This is what you will find in this treasured book, a whirlwind ride of insight after insight—so many they can’t possibly be all documented in footnotes—that will surprise and delight you from the get-go. ‘Primacy goes to consciousness, not to the objective world,’ he boldly states already on page two, in a prelude of things to come. ‘Everything else follows from there, including the realist assumption of the existence of objects, out ‘there,’ independent of my experiencing them.’ The book embodies the ever-evolving wisdom of a man whose intellectual prowess is only matched by his intellectual honesty. And this man, in the seventh decade of his scintillatingly productive life, has a lifetime of learning to share with you.”―Bernardo Kastrup, executive director, Essentia Foundation “Koch’s first book was entitled The Quest for Consciousness. And such has been Koch’s life, an adventurer’s pursuit of a distant goal, undeterred by the prevailing winds. The reader will learn where this quest has led and, like the author, will be enriched by it. Koch, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, a mind singularly open to learning and changing, here opens his soul, revealing his vast, scintillating appreciation of nature in all its forms. It is a touching, profound book. Which is as it should be, since consciousness touches everything and is everything we touch.”―Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin-Madison ### About the Author Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles, Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Hello everyone! Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join “Sends with Friends” climbing! We organize two climbing sessions on the Fridays of the month. We can grab some food and drink after the climbing session if people are interested. - 1st or 2nd week: bouldering session - 3rd or 4th week: rope session For non-Sportrock members, a daily pass is required. For those joining the meetup, the day pass will be discounted at $15 and will include rental gear. Please read the rest of the description below carefully before you start climbing at SR Rio. Here’s what you need: 
1. **Signed waiver**: [https://www.sportrock.com/participant-agreement](https://www.sportrock.com/participant-agreement)
2. **Belay Check**, which can be done the same day. See more information: [https://www.sportrock.com/top-rope-and-lead-tests](https://www.sportrock.com/top-rope-and-lead-tests) If you are completely new to climbing and interested in top rope climbing, consider taking the ‘Intro to Climbing” class first. It costs $36 Members and $45 Non-Members. Where to meet: We’ll gether at the table nearby the main entrance.

Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join "Sends with Friends" rock climbing community for an indoor rock climbing (top rope or lead) event at [Movement Rockville gym](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZD5jntgU4Y6fY9A9)! **$15 Day-Pass for non-movement climbers!** Here's what you need: 1. Signed [waiver](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/): https://movementgyms.com/waiver/ 2. Belay check, which can be done the same day. See [Your First Visit](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) page for more info: https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/ If this is your first time signing the waiver with Movement gyms, **your first visit will be free of charge**, all climbing gears included. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the benches next to the fitness room entrance. If you are completely new to climbing, you are welcome to come and try it with us after you take the Introduction to Rope Climbing Course which will be free of charge for you if you let me know. This meetup is free and run by volunteer organizers, however, access to Movement gyms requires a membership or purchase of a day pass. This meetup is for belaytionship only, unwanted advances will not be tolerated. **Sends with Friends Rock Climbing Meetup Waiver and Release of Liability** **NOTICE:** By signing up for this event, you agree to the terms outlined below and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with rock climbing activities. Participation in any event organized by this Meetup group is contingent upon your agreement to this release form. **1\. Assumption of Risk:** I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and fully understand that rock climbing is a high-risk activity. I am aware that participation involves risks including, but not limited to, physical injury, permanent disability, or death. These risks may arise from, but are not limited to, natural hazards, equipment failure, human error, and the actions or negligence of others. **2\. Release of Liability:** In consideration of being allowed to participate in any activity organized by this Meetup group, I hereby release and discharge the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and all other participants from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or connected to my participation, including claims arising from negligence or gross negligence. **3\. Personal Responsibility:** I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety during these events. I will use my own judgment in evaluating the risks involved and will take appropriate precautions, including but not limited to: * Wearing appropriate safety gear. * Using reliable climbing equipment. * Following established safety protocols. * Refraining from participating in activities beyond my skill level. **4\. Medical Fitness:** I affirm that I am in good health and physically capable of participating in rock climbing activities. I assume full responsibility for any medical conditions that may affect my ability to participate safely. **5\. Indemnity Agreement:** I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and other participants from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to my actions or participation in these activities. **6\. Photo/Video Release \(Optional\):** By signing this waiver, I grant permission for any photographs or videos taken during the events to be used for promotional or group-related purposes. (Participants may opt out by notifying the organizer.) **7\. Agreement to Follow Rules:** I agree to abide by all rules, instructions, and guidance provided by the event organizers and leaders. Failure to comply may result in my removal from the group. **8\. Acknowledgment of Agreement:** By joining any event organized by this Meetup group, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver and release form. I agree that my participation in any event constitutes my electronic or physical signature to this agreement.

Join us as we head to the new Reservoir Regional Park in nearby Loudoun County for a winter hike around Beaverdam Reservoir. This is a great wintertime outing with a scenic 7.5-mile loop trail that follows the reservoir’s shoreline and winds through quiet, wooded sections. Even in January, this is a nice hike with bare trees creating open views across the reservoir and occasional wildlife sightings like wintering birds. The route is mostly flat to gently rolling with natural dirt and gravel surfaces. [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/reservoir-park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/reservoir-park) Our meeting location for carpooling will be at the south side Kiss and Ride lot at the **Innovation Center** Metro station (13747 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon). We will depart at 10:00 and there will be a stop at Sheetz on the way to the park. Dress for the conditions and bring water, lunch, mud-worthy hiking boots and the $5 Adventuring trip fee. Additionally, carpool passengers should pay their driver $5. Depending on group interest, there may be an optional brewery stop after the hike. For those who want to meet us at the park, we will convene outside the Welcome Center at 10:45. The park address is 22211 Water Vista Drive, Ashburn. RSVPs will open on January 3 and close at 9 p.m. the night before the hike. This hike will be not be held in the event of inclement weather so please stay tuned for updates if you register. If your plans change, please update your RSVP status accordingly. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Everyone must RSVP on their own behalf.