Influence

This is an opportunity to practice and hone your presentation skills for a friendly audience! Come ready to give a 5-minute presentation on a topic of your choice - whether it's a pitch to potential clients for your job, a niche hobby, or a special interest, all topics are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their own laptops. We will have access to a projector and HDMI cable to connect.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**The Power of Our Thoughts: Creating Calm, Clarity & Change** Our thoughts shape the way we feel, respond, and experience life. In this workshop, we will explore how to become more aware of our inner dialogue, shift limiting thought patterns, and create a calmer, clearer, and more empowered state of mind. Through reflection, practical tools, and guided mindfulness, we will explore how to use the power of thought to bring positive change from the inside out. **(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)** Sat., May 23rd, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/zIcv6](https://shorturl.at/zIcv6)

Join us at chef Kevin Tien's new Moon Rabbit location in DC! ***Washington Post:*** Anyone looking for restaurant space should chat up Kevin Tien. After his Vietnamese-inspired Moon Rabbit at the Wharf went dark, the chef says he looked at 30 or so spots around Washington, including the vacated Cashion’s Eat Place in Adams Morgan and Seven Reasons on 14th Street NW. It wasn’t until he toured the onetime location of Co Co Sala in Penn Quarter that he found the right fit: an interior that included a bar near the entrance and an open kitchen. “This is it,” he and his team agreed. “I saw what could be our forever home,” says Tien, “or at least for the run of the lease,” he cracks. Let’s hope he stays put for a spell. His previous full-service restaurants — the Japanese-bent Himitsu in Petworth, the cart- and fermented-food-focused Emilie's on Capitol Hill, the original Moon Rabbit in the InterContinental Hotel — didn’t last beyond a few years. His new roost, 100 or so seats spread across a lounge, central dining room and private area, offers lots of dishes I hope to be eating for a long time. Crab rangoon, for instance. Initially, the appetizer, the provenance of so many American Chinese restaurants, sounds out of place. Tien says it’s a nostalgic nod to the block of Philadelphia cream cheese and topping of Tabasco-brand pepper jelly, slathered on Wheat Thins, that his wife’s parents serve him back in his native Louisiana. At Moon Rabbit, the idea is gussied up with a blend of housemade ricotta and robiola cheese topped with local jumbo crab and eaten with wavy sails of housemade scallion crackers. “Chips and dip,” a server says as she drops off the plate. “The cheese is homage to Laughing Cow,” popular in Vietnam, says chef de cuisine Minsu Son, who cooked with his boss when both were at the late, great Momofuku in Washington. Similarly, the spread is also flavored with imitation crab for a memorable “highbrow, lowbrow” experience. The sight and smell you can’t escape on streets throughout Vietnam is grilled meat, sometimes beef swaddled in betel leaves. Tien elevates the idea by wrapping ground Wagyu beef, perfumed with lemongrass and funky with fish sauce, in easier-to-find perilla leaves that give the meat a minty freshness. Pickled shallots make a zingy garnish and labne dappled with housemade sate sauce becomes a dip for a thoroughly modern bò lá lốt. At the first Moon Rabbit, the chef had to be mindful of travelers and tourists. At Moon Rabbit 2.0, Tien and team, including co-owner and chef Judy Beltrano, are free to be more adventurous. Working in a hotel, the kitchen had to deal with room service, a bar and additional amenities. Now, “we don’t have other distractions,” says Tien. Check out the grilled squid, stuffed with boudin (Cajun sausage) made bodacious with pork, chicken livers, Chinese sausage, jasmine rice, and pops from lemon and five-spice. The server who brought out the combination did a nice job of describing it, down to the charred, squid-inked eggplant puree, which he referred to as “best supporting actress.” Ha-ha and down the hatch. Vegetarians won’t be the only diners to swoon over the beautiful and delicious roasted Lodi squash, the scraps of which are fermented and pureed with coconut milk, garlic and lemongrass to create a vibrant yellow curry. Seeds in the center, a nod to Vietnamese sesame seed candy, include candied pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Flash-fried curry leaves complete the dish, which gives Tien, a co-founder of Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate and the creator of the casual Hot Lola’s, a chance to explain his thought process. With his new restaurant, he hopes to broaden the notion of what Vietnamese food is and break through what he calls “the bamboo ceiling.” Floppy rice cakes come with a crumble of dried tofu that mimics the texture of the more traditional dried shrimp, and purple yams lend their color to the city’s most intriguing risotto, ringed in pureed culantro and beefed up with roasted mushrooms. Bánh canh cua, Vietnamese crab soup, is reimagined with chewy dumplings made from sweet potato and tapioca flours — the kitchen refers to them as “f---ed-up gnocchi” — in a tantalizing, tomato-red broth enriched with crab fat. Vietnam’s long associations with foreign entities allow for such fancies as pâté chaud, flaky puff pastry filled with a meaty interior of ground pork, foie gras, chicken pâté and diced jicama for some crunch. Step aside, beef Wellington. Tien says, “I’m embracing the influences.” Diners are as well. Dinner is not an easy reservation, but the restaurant offers first-come, first-serve seating in the lounge, primarily at the bar. The chef’s crew is mostly composed of staff who have worked with him before, but no investors. So a lot of the look of the place was done on a budget. “Stuff from our basement” make up some of the details, says Tien. Note the great cookbooks lining the shelves here and there. The titles explain the chef’s story and his priorities. If a fire broke out, he says he’d grab "Uchi: The Cookbook", “Prejean’s Cookbook” and “My Vietnam: Stories and Recipes” by Luke Nguyen, reflecting places he’s worked or fellow cooks he admires. Lights that look like parachutes or jellyfish were hung by the staff, and the blue accents are inspired by the Vietnamese coastline. The previous restaurant, the British-themed Scotts, was dark; Moon Rabbit is lighter in every way, signifying “a fresh start for us,” says Tien. All but a few dishes — cumin lamb and quail claypot — are small plates. A couple of combinations could use some finessing. The spring roll is presented as upright bundles packed with hearts of palm, daikon and other vegetables. The trouble is, when you bite into the constructions, their filling spills out. But I love the accompanying sauce, an emulsion coaxed from housemade misos (peanut and sweet potato) and stinging with dried chiles. The bookends are noteworthy. Bar director Thi Nguyen whips up such liquid pleasures as Sài Gòn by Night — coconut-rinsed whiskey, sweet vermouth and lemongrass-coffee liqueur — while pastry chef Susan Bae makes endings as exciting as anything served before them. (Both talents deploy fish sauce in clever ways, too.) Consider Bae’s simply billed and delightfully refreshing “Seaweed”: coconut mousse, a suggestion of seaweed confit, panna cotta — green with the almond-suggestive pandan — rising from a base of chocolate crumbles. The frosty halo on top is frozen coconut milk and lime juice. Tien spends the first part of his day in the kitchen, which is why you see him touching tables throughout the restaurant at night. It’s good to see him back in the game, and fun to think about where he might go next with his food — far, I imagine. ***Check out the menu [here](https://www.moonrabbitdc.com/food)*** We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in May we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a fantastic dinner at Moon Rabbit!

Enjoy a relaxed walk aroundthe beautiful **Green Springs Garden**! Take in the fresh air, vibrant blooms, and peaceful surroundings while connecting with others. A perfect way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Bonsoir à tous. Merci à tous ceux qui nous ont rejoint à Brookside en avril. Nous avons profité ensemble d'une très belle promenade, et les azalées étaient magnifiques. Bien que j'espère que nous pourrons continuer à profiter du beau temps printanier, notre prochaine rencontre (**23 mai, 4pm à** **Kensington Park Library**) a coïncidera avec le début non officiel de l'été. J'espère que vous nous retrouverez et partagerez vos projets pour l'été à venir.

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/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] 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.

Let's the latest chapter in the Star Wars series

This is a great class for beginner to intermediate players looking to get into bluegrass. Students will learn the basic chords and melody of one or 2 classic Bluegrass songs and how to approach playing them in a jam setting. Over the course of about an hour the class will play the tunes several times as a group exploring different possibilities for kickoffs, solos, endings and more. At the end of the class we open up the jam! Justin plays guitar and banjo with Cherry Blossom Special and runs jam sessions along and runs jam sessions along with mandolinist Nick Cameron and fiddler Mari Carlson. He has been teaching guitar, banjo and mandolin in Takoma Park since 2012. This class was designed to give people an affordable entry point to Bluegrass music, and help grow the community. The class is $30 Register [Here!](https://checkout.square.site/buy/GUSSUYYW5UMKDMCDV4CQBOBL)

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Our first Technoverts meetup had a great turnout, so we're doing it again, this time with an optional conversation theme: **How people are actually using AI in everyday work and life**. This is not a panel or presentation, and I do not have a fixed agenda, it's just a relaxed coffee conversation for people in tech (or tech-adjacent fields) who are curious about practical AI use cases, useful tools, workflow hacks, weird experiments, and what's generally helping people right now. *Topics might include:* * AI tools people actually use at work * Productivity and automation * Prompting successes and failures * Writing, coding, research, analytics and creative use cases * What feels overhyped vs. genuinely useful. No expertise is required. It's completely fine to come mostly curious, skeptical, or just interested in meeting thoughtful people in tech. *What to expect:* * Low pressure conversation * A mix of tech talk and normal conversation Location: (Subject to change as I do more research) High Point Pub Tyson's Whole Foods, 1635 Boro Pl. (This is the cafe space on the second floor of the Whole Foods at the Boro, Tysons. Parking is free in the garage with validation). Time: 11 am (this is when the cafe opens). Everyone covers their own coffee/snacks. I'll arrive early and grab a table and will post details about location in the event discussion. Address: 1635 Boro Pl. Whole Foods 2nd Floor Cafe

Welcome to the group! We are kicking things off with our very first meetup and would love for you to join. **All levels are welcome**, from absolute beginners to native speakers. This is a purely casual get-together to practice speaking, make new friends, and have a good time. Drop by, say hi (*or salut!*), and let's hang out! At Panera Bread 300 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 *Note: We're kicking things off at Panera for this first one to see how it goes, but we can definitely look into other fun spots or activities for future meetups based on what the group wants to do!* Can't wait to see you there! ☕️🥖

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

SATURDAY: This event is 2:30 - 4 pm SATURDAY. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan