Electronics Mechanics Engineering Design

***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** By signing up to this Meetup event, you agree * To practice effective social distancing and hold yourself 100% responsible for protecting yourself against exposure to Covid-19 and any other cooties. * To not hold anyone (including Meetup.com) liable should you be exposed to Covid-19 by attending this event. * To decline attending if you suspect you have any of the Covid-19-related symptoms (we can wait until you're better to show your tennis prowess). Please bring a can of NEW tennis balls. As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**. The **drop-in fee** for **non-members** is **$30**, payable at the door. This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine. Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities. Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection. From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**. Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**. What children will learn in this after-school program: * **Movement** and **coordination** drills * Practical **self-defense techniques** * Standing **takedowns** * **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness** * Position-specific **drilling** * Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised) * **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Title: Talk/listen about life-changing loss and grief, and care-giving challenges We have created “LET'S TALK - Leesburg” and you are invited to attend. Folks meet to give and receive support dealing with caregiving or life-changing events. This activity is for any one that is experiencing powerful life changes such as loss of independence, caregiving challenges, any loss that has been a life-changing blow to them or has significantly changed their life, including the loss of a precious person. Participants who attend the “LET'S TALK” group say that the group is a place to: Feel safe, to talk or to listen, gain understanding of experiences, and foster confidence! Realize that: “I Can do …” , “Get my equilibrium back.” “LET”S TALK” invites participants to come together...so that they might share the feelings, thoughts, questions, challenges and concerns. This activity is facilitated by a professional counselor.

Presidents Walking Tour of Historic Alexandria, Virginia, Monday, Feb. 16! Take a stroll around Alexandria’s cultural & historic core, with a focus on the U.S. Presidents who've had a mark on the place. These include, most prominently, Washington and Lincoln, but many others as well. Take in the GW parade, perhaps, then walk in Washington's footsteps. Old Town drips with an astonishing dense array of famous persons and historical events, and eye-catching architecture. Immerse yourself in one of America’s most fascinating locales. Meet at the Lyceum, 201 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Fee: Prices start at $22. About 2 hours in length. Pre-register and Pre-pay at-- Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/presidents-day-tour-of-historic-alexandria-virginia-monday-feb-16-tickets-1982938054099?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/presidents-day-tour-of-historic-alexandria-virginia-monday-feb-16-tickets-1982938054099?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or PayPal, sending $22 to: [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour. Fun itinerary will select from: • Hometown of Presidents, Generals, Admirals, Musicians, Educators • Schools founded by George and Martha • The noted architects behind its stunning architecture • Locale of a famous Confederate, and Union Army, sculptor • The worst peacetime accident in Navy history • How the town started a world war • Locale of the biggest slave escape in U.S. history • Historic churches and cemeteries from revolutionary days • George and Martha’s home away from Mt. Vernon • Civil rights sit-downs and Underground rails • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • The first fatalities of the Civil War • The ghostly Mysterious Stranger • World-famous "Captain's Row" • The floating mansion • An in-town Civil War battle • A presidential fistfight • The Curse of the Black Cat • The family that got Pierre L'Enfant fired • Graves of the Civil War and the "Second American Revolution" • The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of the new adventure novel rooted in Alexandria's rich history, The Old Town Horror-- [https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=](https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic/dp/B0BW2WR85N/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) And this book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: [https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette/dp/1476674868/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1555118270&sr=1-1-catcorr) And a book of fun essays on U.S. history & culture: [https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495](https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should/dp/1596525495) Also a book on the history of Congress: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJoCU6LsCM) And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5 The Guide's tours are rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) Think history’s dull? Think again! Lots of free street parking on the side streets south of King St. Nearest metro stop is King St., with a free trolley bus from there. Take with a lovely, informative walk through America's most historic town.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6 mile hike with 400' elevation gain in the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. [https://bansheereeksnp.org/](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). We follow our AllTrails route as we go through the many trails in this Preserve. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Meet: Plan to arrive at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center at 8:45am so we can get everyone checked in and start at 9:00am. The address in Meetup may not get you to the exact location, use GPS Coordinates. GPS coordinates: 39.028758, -77.599534 [https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7](https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7) Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Alltrails Maps: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Join us for another session of our study group as we continue our coverage of the book Domain-Specific Small Language Models. In this session, we will Chapter 2 which is titled Tuning for a Specific Domain. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to continue to learn together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and download the code from here https://github.com/virtualramblas/Domain-Specific-Small-Language-Models/ ahead of time. We will be meeting at the University of North America in room 2215 for this event.

Step into a space of healing and harmony at our inviting Reiki Share event designed to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your practice. This event welcomes both experienced practitioners and those new to Reiki, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the transformative power of energy healing. During this enriching gathering, you'll experience: * **A Guided Reiki Session:** Participate in a group Reiki session to balance and recharge your energy. * * **Community Connection:** Share insights and experiences with fellow Reiki enthusiasts in a supportive, nurturing environment. * * **Practical Tips:** Learn new techniques and enhance your understanding of Reiki through interactive discussions and demonstrations. Whether you're seeking personal relaxation or aiming to deepen your Reiki practice, the Lotus Reiki Share promises a revitalizing experience for your mind, body, and soul. Come together with our community to explore, share, and elevate your energy! Reiki Share is a healing circle created for all Reiki Level I,II and II practitioners so please come and take part in the community! Please Note: If you are not a Reiki Healer, you may still participate in using your natural healing ability. Please contact me about taking Reiki classes to become reiki attuned if you so desire. Note to Reiki Share Participants: • Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to beginning so we can sage you in, socialize and be ready to start on time. Doors will be locked once we start. **RSVP:** https://bit.ly/LotusReikiShare022126

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

**Join the Discussion on International IP Protection** **Jonathan Link** is an Attorney Advisor in the Office of the General Counsel for the U.S. International Trade Commission, an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that adjudicates trade disputes, maintains the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and researches and analyzes trade issues. We will discuss: * Protect a U.S. trademark or patent abroad * Considerations when selling to overseas vendors * Approaches for securing and maintaining a foreign supplier relationship Jonathan will discuss this, and more, based on his assistance for the Commission when evaluating unfair trade determinations based on patent infringement and defending Commission decisions at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He began his career as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office while attending law school at night. He has extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property, including preparing and obtaining patents, licensing, client counseling, and litigation involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. His clients have ranged from solo inventors and start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. In addition, he has written articles, participated in podcasts, and taught continuing legal education seminars on various aspects of patent law, including giving speeches in the U.S. and China. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from the George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, February 20, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

Please **[Click here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/inner-engineering-in-person-cityprogram-the-highlands-at-germantown-maryland-us-feb-26-2026)**[ ](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/inner-engineering-total-cityprogram-unity-village---conference-center-missouri-us-may-09-2024)to learn more and register. **This is a paid program** Program Fee USD 375, Early Bird Pricing USD 330 (Expires on January 26th, 2026) Inner Engineering Total is offered as a 4-day in-person program designed by Sadhguru. The course combines the tools from Inner Engineering and the transmission of **Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya**, a 21-minute life-transforming practice. This format contains powerful meditative processes and practice support through personalized corrections. Additionally, a **free introductory talk** will be offered on **Thursday from 6:00pm to 7:00pm** (**[RSVP](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/event-details/21468)**) This session is open to all - feel free to bring your friends, family or anyone who may want to come with you. The program will resume after a short break, during which attendees will still have an opportunity to register. This program is offered through an Isha Yoga instructor trained by Sadhguru. No prerequisite or physical agility required. **Program Guidelines & session information** Programs are on Thursday and Friday evenings for 3 1/4 hours and continue all day on Saturday and Sunday. Vegetarian lunch is provided on Saturday; Vegetarian breakfast & lunch on Sunday. **Program Date and Timings:** Thursday, February 26th, 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM Friday, February 27th, 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM Saturday, February 28th, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday, March 1st, 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM **Attendance to all sessions is mandatory.** **Open to ages 15 years and above.** **For ages 15 - 17, please [Register Here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/minor-registration/8766)** Learn more about Inner Engineering on **[Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9-WwLCy8XY).**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – February 25 Business Presentation** **Featuring Seeman Saeed, Founder of LeakzAlert** **Wednesday\, February 25 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** We’re excited to welcome **Seeman Saeed**, founder of **LeakzAlert**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage to share an innovative solution focused on prevention, protection, and smarter property management. **About the Business** LeakzAlert provides **water leak detection and monitoring services** designed to identify issues early and help prevent costly damage. By delivering proactive alerts and monitoring, LeakzAlert supports property owners and managers in protecting their assets, reducing risk, and avoiding unexpected disruptions. **Who Seeman Is Looking to Hear From** Seeman is eager to connect with professionals across: * Property management * Property maintenance companies * Home insurance providers * Hotels and hospitals * Homeowners * Anyone responsible for facility or property oversight **Current Focus** As LeakzAlert gains traction, Seeman is seeking feedback on: * Sales scalability * Sustainable growth strategies * Expanding market reach * Building strong industry partnerships **Why Attend?** * Learn about a service that directly impacts workplace success * Provide valuable feedback to a growing business * Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation **What is 1 Million Cups?** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **February 25 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about communication, workforce development, and business growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

The next NoVABeerSec event - "Informal Gathering of Security Minds Over Beer'' will be Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30PM til 7ish at Crooked Run Fermentation (22455 Davis Drive, Sterling, VA ). **BONUS** there is a Senor Ramon Taqueria as part of the brewery; so it will be a “Taco Wednesday” for everyone ;) **Venue for February:** Crooked Run Fermentation (https://crookedrunfermentation.com/sterling-virginia-2/) - Crooked Run Fermentation is a Virginia-based producer of contemporary and traditional beers, coolship sours, natural wines, ciders, and seltzers. Started in 2013 in Leesburg, Virginia, Crooked Run has developed a following for creative and nuanced beverages across a variety of styles, from lagers to IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, sours, and beyond beer. In 2017, we opened our main production facility in Sterling, Virginia, and will open a third location in northeast DC in 2022. Opened in 2017, the Sterling location features a bustling taproom, outdoor biergarten, 10 BBL brewhouse, and best of all, TACOS! Senor Ramon Taqueria offers a full menu of tacos, quesadillas, empanadas, and more. Come relax with 12 beers on tap, weekend live music, and some great food! If you're biking, we're right off the W&OD Trail. **Additional Info:** We are an inclusive group, so if we missed anyone please let us know or if you want to bring your significant other/spouse please do. Have a great week and see you later this month! Cheers, Rinaldi Rampen & Mike McCabe of @NoVABeerSec

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – February 25 Business Presentation** **Featuring Jennifer Zitelli, Founder of ESL Thrive** **Wednesday\, February 25 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us at 1 Million Cups Loudoun as we welcome **Jennifer Zitelli**, founder of **ESL Thrive**, for a dynamic conversation focused on workforce communication, business growth, and supporting employees for long-term success. **About the Business** ESL Thrive provides **on-the-job English training designed specifically for business success**. Through customized instruction, Jennifer helps employees gain the language skills they need to communicate effectively, perform confidently, and thrive in their roles — ultimately strengthening the businesses they support. Her programs are tailored to meet the real-world needs of small businesses, ensuring employees learn practical workplace language that directly impacts productivity, team collaboration, and customer experience. **Who Jennifer Is Looking to Hear From** Jennifer is seeking feedback from business owners and leaders in industries such as: * Hospitality * Home services * Restaurants * Retail * Any business with employees whose first language is not English **Current Business Focus & Barriers** As ESL Thrive continues to grow, Jennifer is looking for insight around: * Overcoming barriers to business growth * Strengthening marketing strategy * Expanding business development efforts * Effectively reaching her target markets This is an excellent opportunity to share your perspective while supporting a business dedicated to empowering both employers and employees. **Why Attend?** * Learn about a service that directly impacts workplace success * Provide valuable feedback to a growing business * Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation **What is 1 Million Cups?** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **February 25 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about communication, workforce development, and business growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

Security cleared professionals with a polygraph please join us for the CI or FS Poly Cleared Job Fair, Thursday, March 5, from 2pm – 5.30pm at the Hyatt Dulles in Herndon, Virginia. Whether you’re between contracts, transitioning out of the military / government, or just casually looking around, please join us! Our hiring employers include Amentum, AT&T, BAE Systems, CACI, Core4ce, GDIT, Leidos, Markon, RealmOne, Redhorse, SilverEdge, System High, Two Six Technologies and more! Opportunities for Intel, Program and Project Managers, Data Scientists, Cyber, Geospatial, Malware Analysts, Malware Programmers, Software Engineers and Developers, CNO Engineers and Analysts, Database Administrators, System Administrators, Software and Application Developers, Network Designers and Engineers, Help Desk, Trainers and more. A CI or FS Polygraph is required for entry. For more info and to pre-register visit: [https://clearedjobs.net/events/ci-or-fs-poly-cleared-job-fair-march-5-2026-7?utm_source=event+posting+march+5%2C+2026&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=job+fair&utm_term=february+5%2C+2026](https://clearedjobs.net/events/ci-or-fs-poly-cleared-job-fair-march-5-2026-7?utm_source=event+posting+march+5%2C+2026&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=job+fair&utm_term=february+5%2C+2026)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Hidden Cleopatra,”** an excavation through myth and slander to uncover the real Egyptian queen, with Jacquelyn Williamson, an Egyptologist and associate professor of archaeology and ancient art at George Mason University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra) .] Depictions of Cleopatra are abundant in popular culture. A long list of painters have depicted her, Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have posed as her, and Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor famously portrayed her in Hollywood films. At the end of the day, however, what most of us think we know about Cleopatra is wrong, the product of the ancient Rome’s “fake news” and anti-Egypt propaganda. Learn about the real Cleopatra—and how our understanding of her came to be so distorted—with Professor Jacquelyn Williamson, scholar of women and power in ancient Egypt, teacher of courses on ancient Egyptian art and archaeology, and author of *Nefertiti’s Sun Temple: A New Cult Complex at Tell el-Amarna.* Dr. Williamson will walk us through how the first Roman emperor, Octavian, created the distorted image of Cleopatra as seductress that we know today as part of his political scheming to defeat his rival Antony and end the Roman Republic once and for all. Cleopatra has been the subject of debate and controversy ever since. William Shakespeare later relied on ancient Roman sources such as Horace and Plutarch in writing *Antony and Cleopatra*, and his play helped give rise to countless other works offering a distorted picture of her. Professor Williamson argues that “Cleopatra was a human being, like you and I,” and “deserves the dignity of being represented as accurately as possible.” Her efforts to set the record straight have met frustration, however—after being extensively interviewed for the recent Netflix historical docuseries Queen Cleopatra, she concluded that it, too, had missed the mark. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of researching and accurately depicting the ancient past from Dr. Williamson, who also has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California at Berkeley and is involved with an ongoing archaeological investigation of Queen Nefertiti’s sun temple. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Layla Taj portrays Cleopatra VII as part of an Egyptian Cultural Performing Arts Society production. (Photo by Amos Gvili / Wikimedia Commons.)