Intelligent Conversation

Liebe Rhetorikfreunde, Habt ihr Lust, die Kunst des Redens zu erlernen? Du kannst als Gast einfach reinschnuppern oder als Clubmitglied das volle Programme nutzen. Mithilfe eines ausgezeichneten praxisorientierten Programms kannst du einen von 11 verschiedenen Lernpfaden auswählen und in 5 aufeinander aufbauenden Stufen lernen: * frei und ohne Blackout zu reden * unterhaltsam und überzeugend zu präsentieren * souverän zu moderieren * Deine Körpersprache wirkungsvoll einzusetzen * spontan zu einem vorher unbekannten Thema zu pitchen Haben wir dich neugierig gemacht? Ganz gleich, ob du einfach mal „reinschnuppern“ oder dein Können gleich mit einer kurzen Stegreifrede unter Beweis stellen möchtest – wir freuen uns auf dich. Willkommen sind * Redebegeisterte * Redescheue * Kreative, denen die Werkzeuge zur Kommunikation fehlen * Angestellte/Selbstständige, die besser vor Publikum oder vorm Chef reden wollen Du kannst bei uns alle aktuellen Herausforderungen trainieren: * Präsenztreffen vor Publikum * Onlinetreffen * Präsentieren * Pitchen Wir freuen uns auf rege Teilnahme und Anmeldung. *** Der Eintritt ist kostenfrei. Wir beginnen pünktlich um 19:00 Uhr. Einlass ab 18:45 Uhr.

**Live men's circle** **April to June 2026, twice a month** After a long stretch without a space for regular, in-person circles, we're finally able to offer a **new, live men's circle in Berlin**. Many of you have asked for this over the past couple of years — a chance to meet face to face, sit together and talk in real time. The **Monday Men** circle offers a chance for that. From April through June we meet every two weeks, for two hours on a Monday evening. A closed group, with a maximum of eight participants, to encourage familiarity, trust and continuity. All the dates are: **April 13** & **27**, **May 11** & **25**, **June 8** & **22** There's a cost involved, which has been kept as low as possible, and it's only for the use of the room we'll have. A total **40 €** from each man covers all **six sessions** for all **three months**. You can attend as many sessions as you like. After the first three months, the group can choose what comes next. There could be a summer break, or the group may decide to continue. **This could be useful for you if you'd like to...** * Connect in person with other men in Berlin * Build real-life bonds, especially if you’re new to the city or to the Berlin Men’s Group * Explore ideas and challenges that matter to you * Look more closely at your experiences and how you express them * Experience a low-pressure introduction to men’s work **What we'll do...** For those who already know the online men’s circles, some parts of this format may feel familiar. As in the online format, the sessions always include: * **Welcome** – greeting and orientation from the host * **Opening round** – describing briefly what things are like for you * **Sharing round** – expanding on your thoughts, speaking freely * **Deepening round** – a chance to offer each other questions * **Open discussion** – explore what emerges together * **Closing round** – share what you take away from the session In addition, the live format allows for a few extra elements: * **Partnered conversation** * **A topic of the week**, chosen by the group * **A little movement**, such as stretching or short breaks to move around and reset attention As always - no prior experience neccessary, no preparation needed. Just walk in and grab a seat. **About me, the host...** I’m Hans. I've been co-organising the Berlin Men's Group with Peter and the others for five years now. In that time I've become a certified systemic counsellor, specialised in supporting men. For these circles my style will be practical and down-to-earth. I help hold the structure, keep things on track, and support the group so that each man can explore what matters to him in his own way. I'll be aiming for a space where men can speak honestly, listen to each other, and look at important things without it feeling heavy or complicated. If you’re curious but not sure if this feels right for you at the moment, you’re welcome to send me a message here on Meetup or email request@zigmal.org. You can ask me anything you like. *This group is being logistically supported by BMG partner project [Zigmal e.V.](www.zigmal.org), a volunteer association that focuses on strengthening men through social connection and free counselling.*

A monthly cello get-together for playing, hanging out, and sharing all things cello. We’ll sight-read ensemble music, swap warm-ups, snack and drink, ask questions, and enjoy making music together without pressure. Each meetup includes a short, informal mini-workshop on a rotating topic — come as you are, play what you can, stay as long as you like. 15€ cover fee (includes snacks & drinks). **Topic this month: Cello Posture and Positioning with Natasha Jaffe** Clean up your position to use your body optimally - a good basic technique is the key to being able to play fluidly, beautifully, or quickly, as well as being able to play for many many years of your life. We'll look at places where unnecessary tension builds, ways to use your body weight, gravity, and physics to optimize your motions and make cello playing more effortless. **You should be able to play the cello at least as a beginner (1st position) to participate.** *** Ein monatliches Cello-Get-together zum Spielen, Abhängen und Austauschen. Wir lesen locker Ensemble-Stücke vom Blatt, teilen Warm-ups, snacken, trinken, stellen Cello-Fragen und machen gemeinsam Musik – ganz ohne Druck. Jedes Treffen hat außerdem einen kurzen, entspannten Mini-Workshop zu einem wechselnden Thema. Komm wie du bist, spiel was geht, bleib so lange du willst. 15 € Beitrag (Snacks & Getränke inklusive). **Thema dieses Monat: Cello Posture and Positioning with Natasha Jaffe** Optimiere deine Haltung, um deinen Körper optimal einzusetzen – eine gute Grundtechnik ist der Schlüssel zu flüssigem, schönem und schnellem Spiel sowie zu einer langen, gesunden Spielkarriere. Wir werden uns ansehen, wo sich unnötige Verspannungen aufbauen, und wie du dein Körpergewicht, die Schwerkraft und physikalische Prinzipien nutzen kannst, um deine Bewegungen zu optimieren und das Cellospielen müheloser zu gestalten. **Du musst das Cello schon spielen, wenigstens in der 1e Lage, um mitzumachen.**

Bitte kauft in den Restaurants mindestens einen Artikel, damit wir keinen Ärger mit dem Manager bekommen. -> Location Berlin Potsdamer Platz -> The Playce -> Manifesto Markt Wir sitzen unten oft an den großen runden Tischen vor dem Restaurant Kumpir'a oder an den langen Tischen vor dem Pizza und Pasta Restaurant im Erdgeschoss. Dieses Treffen ist für: -Internationale Teilnehmer aus allen Ländern, die auf Deutsch Kontakte knüpfen wollen. -Deutsch-sprachige, die in netter Gesellschaft anderen helfen wollen, Deutsch zu sprechen, oder nur neue Kontakte knüpfen wollen.

You like singing? We’re going to sing some fun tags & tunes and explore the musical style of Barbershop. This is for those curious and eager to explore their vocal talents. It’s an opportunity for anyone to drop in, try their hand at singing Barbershop Harmony and become part of a relaxed musical atmosphere. Bring some water for your voice. Bring a friend. Let’s have some fun and ring those chords! No fee, donations requested. Deutsch / Englisch

**Hi everyone!** We’ll now be meeting twice a week at Denizen House (Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 Berlin), on **Mondays and Wednesdays**! * **Mondays:** levels A1 to B2 * **Wednesdays:** levels B1 to C1 We work with dedicated materials tailored to each level, so everyone will have a place to practice and improve. **Event schedule** * **18:00 – 18:30** Arrival and registration * **18:30 – 19:50** Sprachcafé * **19:50 – 20:00** End and clean up Please be aware that the moderated event starts at **18:30**. Before this time, we are busy setting up the space. Registrations usually take place around **18:15 / 18:20**. Participants are kindly asked **not to arrive too far in advance** at the house. If someone arrives much earlier, Denizen may ask them to pay either for a drink (consumption) or for a **day pass**, as the space is a co-working environment during the day. **Please remember, our event is only happening from 18:00 to 20:00** **How the Sprachcafé works** We use different materials to help participants gain confidence in German. Together with whiteboards and our volunteers, the Sprachcafé is based on **interactive conversations** in small groups. **Participation fee** The Sprachcafé has a **participation fee of 5 €**, which helps cover organizational costs and **includes one soft drink for free**. Tickets can be purchased directly on the day of the event, card and cash payments are accepted. As the Sprachcafé has become very popular, we now need to **limit the number of participants**. Please understand this measure; it ensures that everyone has a comfortable space to practice. We kindly ask you to be **rücksichtsvoll** and only RSVP “Yes” if you are certain you can attend. If your plans change at the last minute, please update your RSVP so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. Getting your ticket early can help secure your place. **Please note** Our event will begin **promptly** at the scheduled start time. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee your participation, even if you have a ticket or have RSVP’d. We encourage all guests to arrive on time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **About Denizen** Denizen is a new-style co-working space focused on being an integral part of local communities. Located on the ground floor of the historic Eiswerk on Köpenicker Straße in Kreuzberg, Denizen House is a communal place providing work, refreshment, and recreational facilities throughout the day. Think of it as a living room for the neighborhood. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. If you’d like to contribute to this night, send me a message! Ich freue mich schon! Grüße, **Nacho**

​Artificial intelligence is evolving at an extraordinary pace and is already reshaping how we work, learn, create, and make decisions. Some see AI as a powerful tool that will enhance human potential and solve global problems. Others warn about risks: bias, automation, loss of control, and long-term societal impact. ​In this meeting, we will explore AI from both perspectives — techno-optimism and techno-pessimism. What can AI actually do today? How does it work under the hood? Where are its real strengths, and where are its limitations? And how should we think about its future development? ​We invite both professionals and non-professionals to join the discussion. Whether you work with AI, study it, are simply curious about it, or approach it from philosophy, psychology, sociology, or everyday experience — your perspective is welcome. ## **​Preparation & Suggested Materials** ​To help you prepare, we’ve put together a curated reading list that includes books, research papers, articles, interviews, and practical guides. The world of AI moves fast, so alongside well-known books you will also find recent articles and research projects. ​You don’t need to read everything. Choosing one book, article, or even a short explainer is enough to take part in the discussion. You’re also welcome to bring your own material, as long as it relates to artificial intelligence and its societal impact. ​The full list of suggested readings (with links) is available here: ​[https://docs.google.com/document/d/17PoZmqzxQ5EJsET292lTI193ms_MZNvgv5XAnbVmRBY/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hu_dLOgnzvrfgE3CZQVBz6CqyPIgAMWxYE24o4yx3fQ/edit?usp=sharing&utm_source=luma) ***​Popular-Science Books*** ​Accessible but substantial books that explain how AI works and how it affects society. For example: * ​*Co-Intelligence* by Ethan Mollick * ​*Hello World* by Hannah Fry * ​*Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans* by Melanie Mitchell * ​*Homo Deus* by Yuval Noah Harari ​***Scientific & Popular Articles*** ​Shorter texts for those with limited preparation time. These include: * ​A brief history of AI (Haenlein & Kaplan) * ​“On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots” (Bender et al.) * ​Stephen Wolfram’s explainer on how ChatGPT works * ​Andrew Ng’s “AI is the New Electricity” ​***Real-World Applications & Practical Guides*** ​Materials for those interested in applied AI: * ​KDnuggets blog (case studies and practical use) * ​*Deep Learning Illustrated* * ​Google’s Prompt Engineering Guide ***​Research Projects*** ​For a forward-looking perspective: * ​Epoch AI * ​AI 2027 scenario ## **Important Information** ​​We aim to create a safe, inclusive space for sharing ideas and learning from different perspectives. Respectful dialogue is encouraged, and participants are asked to follow our **[Code of Conduct](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zhC3yhSvmAoO4wx5TlEmW-oyxs5FhCXN7MD0f0I_SAc/edit?tab=t.0&utm_source=luma)**. * ​​**Age 16+** * ​​The discussion will be held **in English.** * ​​**Registration is required** to attend the event. * ​​Participation is free. Donations are optional and help support our meetings.

* *For English, please see below* Der Philosophische Stammtisch ist für alle, die gerne über das Leben philosophieren wollen ohne dabei zu verbissen den Fragen auf den Grund zu gehen. Wir wollen gemeinsam zu neuen Einsichten kommen und einen Raum schaffen für Menschen, die sich auf tieferer Ebene austauschen wollen. Die Fragen können von tiefen metaphysischen Fragen bis zu praktischen Lebensfragen reichen. Diese Veranstaltung soll gerade auch die ansprechen, die sich über solche Fragen Gedanken machen und sich austauschen wollen. Das hier ist kein politischer Diskurs. **Das Thema für diesen Abend** Wird bald bekannt gegeben. **For our English speaking members** We will have one table where the discussion is in English and you are welcome to join :) **Topic** Will be soon announced.

Wachstum, Entfaltung des eigenen Potentials, Selbstverwirklichung (oder im Englischen Self-Actualization) sind Wörter, die für viele Menschen eine wichtige Rolle spielen, ja man könnte sagen, dass sich mit ihnen Glaubensvorstellungen verbinden, die einer Religion ähneln. Wo aber gehört der Begriff Selbstverwirklichung hin? Zu Psychologie, Biologie, Philosophie, Religion, zum Coaching oder auf die Müllhalde der Geistesgeschichte? Obwohl schon Aristoteles über die Entelechie (das Innehaben des Ziels) sprach, wurde der moderne Begriff erst im 20. Jahrhundert wissenschaftlich geformt. Der Neurologe Kurt Goldstein prägte den Begriff in seinem Werk „Der Aufbau des Organismus“. Er betrachtete Selbstverwirklichung als einen biologischen Drang, als Triebkraft eines Organismus, all seine Kapazitäten auszuschöpfen. Ein Organismus strebt danach, seine Integrität zu wahren und sein Potenzial in der Umwelt zu entfalten. Abraham Maslow ist der Name, den die meisten heute mit dem Begriff verbinden. In seinem Aufsatz „A Theory of Human Motivation“ stellte er die berühmte Bedürfnishierarchie vor. Selbstverwirklichung steht an der Spitze der Pyramide. Er definierte es als das Verlangen, immer mehr das zu werden, was man ist, und alles zu werden, wozu man fähig ist. Im Gegensatz zu Goldstein sah Maslow es als ein "Wachstumsbedürfnis", das erst richtig aktiv wird, wenn Defizitbedürfnisse (wie Hunger oder Sicherheit) gestillt sind. Der Psychotherapeut Carl Rogers integrierte das Konzept in seine klientenzentrierte Gesprächspsychotherapie. Er glaubte, dass jeder Mensch eine innere Tendenz hat, sich selbst zu erhalten und zu fördern. Psychische Probleme entstehen laut Rogers dann, wenn diese Entfaltung durch äußere Bedingungen (z.B. mangelnde Akzeptanz) blockiert wird. Maslow und Rogers gelten als Gründerfiguren der so genannten humanistischen Psychologie, die sich weniger an Defiziten als an positiven Möglichkeiten orientieren wollte. In der Psychologie wurde darüber debattiert, ob die Thesen der humanistischen Psychologie wissenschaftlich prüfbar sind. Kann man Selbstverwirklichung wirklich messen? Was "volles Potenzial" bedeutet, ist subjektiv. Für den einen ist es das Malen von Meisterwerken, für den anderen die Erziehung von Kindern. Kritiker werfen dem Konzept vor, sehr westlich und individualistisch geprägt zu sein. In kollektivistischen Kulturen wird "Selbstverwirklichung" oft durch den Beitrag zur Gemeinschaft definiert, nicht durch die eigene Entfaltung. Die humanistische Psychologie verschwand zusammen mit ihren Therapien aus den Universitäten und Ausbildungsstellen. Die so genannte Positive Psychologie versucht, das Erbe anzutreten. Moderne Forscher dieser Richtung haben das Konzept in messbare Faktoren zerlegt: Autonomie, Kompetenz und soziale Eingebundenheit. Diese drei Faktoren sind empirisch extrem gut belegt und gelten als moderne, wissenschaftliche Entsprechung der Selbstverwirklichung. Was aber wird aus der Idee, dass wir ein Potential in uns tragen, dass es zu entfalten gilt? Ist das – wenigstens als Glaubensvorstellung oder Orientierung - noch sinnvoll?

Our German Club invites you to the next meetup! 📅 **Saturday, April 18.04** 🕔 **Time:** 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 📍 \*\*Location: [Grandaire - Coffee House](https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&client=safari&hs=fX1U&sca_esv=0bcfe12e76caee43&rls=en&biw=1232&bih=839&sxsrf=ANbL-n7VC01SyOCW2Ltu4zYJthmWYlPXcw:1775937730898&q=Grandaire+-+Coffee+House&si=AL3DRZGNtcdgKOqVhotcr-UG2kkYpwR2WO4qu3O00NmpwBmLnTy-S3jEfrsfsFKR8aKqKyXYrxwGTetNAJX7uYVv5CfKtMNlI7ptyIH54tGMO0F31Eo8dTkH2yqjV2PeTv5kOhJUuoq2&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjSot_My-aTAxW99bsIHQKLOmAQ_coHegQIJxAB), [Voltairestraße 11, 10179 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f5a22092c49:0x42134cfee294f7cd?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) 👥 **Level:** A2–C1 ⏳ **Duration:** 2 hours 💵 **Participation fee:** 10 € (includes 1 drink) Join our **German Speaking Café on Saturday** and practice your German in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere! This meetup is focused on **free conversation** – there is no speaker, the focus is on practice, exchange, and active communication. 🗣️ **What you will practice:** • Speaking German in small groups • Active conversations & spontaneous speaking • Useful everyday vocabulary and expressions • Building confidence while speaking ☕ **Atmosphere:** Small group, café-style setting, moderated conversations & networking 🤍 **Safe Space:** Mistakes are welcome. No pressure, no stress – just real conversations and exchange 📸 **Note:** Photos and short videos will be taken for social media. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know ☺️ ⚠️ **Places are limited – please register in advance.** We look forward to a relaxed afternoon full of German, conversations, and good vibes ✨

**Labor: Past, Present, and Future – Work, Power, and Purpose** Labor is a defining force of human life. It shapes how we survive, how societies are organized, and how power and resources are distributed. Work can provide stability, dignity, and meaning—but it can also lead to inequality, exploitation, and exhaustion. More than just an individual experience, labor is a collective reality that reflects the structure of our world. At its foundation, labor is tied to survival. Like all living beings, humans must expend energy to sustain life. Our bodies and minds are wired for effort, cooperation, and problem-solving. Yet human labor goes far beyond biology—it is structured by economic systems, cultural values, and political decisions that determine who works, how, and for whose benefit. Across history, labor has continuously evolved—and so have the struggles surrounding it. Workers have organized to demand rights, protections, and fair wages, giving rise to unions, movements, and political parties. In many countries, labor movements shaped modern democracy, from the Social Democratic Party of Germany in Germany to the Labour Party in the UK, alongside similar movements across Europe and beyond. These efforts are remembered and celebrated globally on Labor Day. Labor is not only a human phenomenon. In the natural world, cooperation, division of roles, and collective effort are essential for survival—from insect colonies to social mammals. These systems offer a broader perspective on work as something deeply rooted in life itself, while also highlighting what makes human labor unique: its complexity, inequality, and capacity for change. In today’s world, labor is undergoing rapid transformation. Automation, digital platforms, and globalization are reshaping traditional employment. Stable careers are giving way to flexible—and sometimes precarious—forms of work. At the same time, the psychological experience of labor is becoming more visible: questions of burnout, motivation, identity, and purpose are central to how people relate to their work. Looking ahead, the future of labor may challenge long-held assumptions. Artificial intelligence and robotics could significantly reduce the need for human labor in many sectors, while increasing demand in others. This raises fundamental questions: What is the role of work in human life? How should wealth be distributed? And how do we define purpose in a world where labor is no longer central to survival? We will explore how labor has evolved through history—from early forms of work to modern economies—and how worker movements and political forces like the Social Democratic Party of Germany and the Labour Party shaped rights and social change. We’ll also reflect on labor as a biological, psychological, and social experience—how effort, motivation, and cooperation shape both humans and the natural world—and how work today is being transformed by technology, from gig economies to automation. Finally, we’ll look ahead to the future of labor, asking what happens if work changes fundamentally, and how we might rethink purpose, fairness, and the role of labor in our lives. Join us for a critical and engaging discussion on labor—not only as work, but as a force that shapes society, identity, and the future. Together, we’ll reflect on how labor defines our lives today and how it might be reimagined tomorrow. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:30 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

Hello everyone ☺️ Our German Club invites you to the next meetup! 📅 **Sunday, April 19, 2026** 🕔 **Time:** 4:00 PM 📍 **Location:** Grandaire Café - [Voltairestraße 11, 10179 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f5a22092c49:0x42134cfee294f7cd?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) 👥 **Level:** A2–C1 ⏳ **Duration:** approx. 1.5–2 hours 💵 **Participation fee:** 10 € (includes 1 drink) Join our **German Speaking Café on Sunday** and practice your German in a relaxed and international atmosphere! 🎤 **Guest Speaker:** **Morgan Hangartner**, immigration lawyer Morgan advises international clients on **immigration law** and has over **15 years of experience**. In this special meetup, he will talk about **typical questions and challenges from his legal practice** and share real-life insights into immigration cases and situations. 📚 **Talk topics:** • Common questions in immigration law • Typical challenges and problems • Insights into real cases from legal practice • Migration in an international context • Open Q&A session ⏱ **Format:** The speaker part will last about **30–45 minutes**. Afterwards, we continue with **free conversation**, discussion questions, and small speaking games. 🗣️ **What you will practice:** • Listening comprehension with a native speaker • Vocabulary related to migration, law & everyday life • Speaking confidently in a supportive environment ☕ **Atmosphere:** Small group, café-style setting, conversations & networking 🤍 **Safe Space:** Mistakes are welcome. No pressure, no stress – just real conversations and exchange 📸 **Note:** Photos and short videos will be taken for social media. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know ☺️ ⚠️ **Places are limited – please register in advance.** We look forward to an insightful afternoon full of German, exchange, and valuable perspectives 🌍✨

# Tired of dating apps or surface-level events? This is different. This is a **2-hour guided relational experience** designed to help you connect with other singles in your city — without small talk, pressure, or performance. **What happens:** • You join a 2-hour guided online session • You meet a small group of singles from Berlin • You’re led through structured connection exercises • Within 48 hours, you meet the same group in person • You stay connected afterward via WhatsApp **This is for you if:** • You’re done with shallow or random social spaces • You want deeper, more intentional connection • You’re open to a structured experience If you’re just browsing or looking for something casual, this likely won’t be a fit. **Important:** Spots are limited and booking happens through our website. 👉 Reserve your spot & stay in the loop with new events every month: [[https://consciousconnections.com/join](https://consciousconnectionsclub.com/join)] **When:** Online session: [9-11 AM] In-person meetup: within 48 hours (details shared after booking) Most people come alone. Most leave having met people they genuinely want to see again.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Join us for a cozy and creative evening where art meets good company. This Sip & Paint event is designed for all skill levels—whether you’ve never painted before or just want a relaxing night out. 🕒 What to Expect (Agenda) • Arrival & Welcome (10–15 mins): Get settled, grab a drink, and meet the group • Guided Painting Session (1.5–2 hours): Step-by-step painting in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere • Social Time: Enjoy conversation, connect with others, and unwind as you paint No pressure, no perfection—just a fun and calming experience. 🍷 What’s Included • All painting supplies (canvas, brushes, paints, etc.) • Light refreshments • Wine 🎒 What to Bring Nothing! Just bring yourself and a positive, open mindset. 📍 How to Find Us This event is hosted in a private home in Lake Ridge area. The exact address will be shared with confirmed attendees prior to the event. Come solo or with a friend—this is a welcoming space to relax, get creative, and connect. 🎨✨

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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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?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Inspired by the song "Good Job" by Alicia Keys, this gathering invites us to pause and reflect on the quiet strength, resilience, and everyday efforts that often go unseen. How often do we acknowledge the people who keep things moving—at work, at home, in our communities? And how often do we recognize that same perseverance in ourselves? In this conversation, we’ll explore: * The power of simple recognition and encouragement * How affirmation can strengthen resilience and connection * Ways to create environments where people feel seen and valued * The impact of gratitude on culture, leadership, and well-being Through reflection and shared dialogue, we’ll consider how a simple phrase—*“good job”*—can carry deeper meaning when it’s grounded in sincerity and awareness. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on seeing, valuing, and uplighting one another. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

**Agenda :** * 4.45 to 5.00 PM ET: Food and Networking * 5.00 to 5.50 PM ET: "Hands-On : GitHub Copilot SpecKit" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our April 14th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided. You will need a government-issued ID to enter the facility.** **Title:** Hands-On : GitHub Copilot SpecKit **Description:** Spec-Driven Development **flips the script** on traditional software development. For decades, code has been king — specifications were just scaffolding we built and discarded once the "real work" of coding began. Spec-Driven Development changes this: **specifications become executable**, directly generating working implementations rather than just guiding them. In this hands-on lab, we will be covering building your application using SpecKit. Pre-requisites: VSCode v1.107, GitHub Copilot, Python 3.13 + uv, Git installed. **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

Food has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. Join Interfaith Connections at the Table, a relaxed multi-faith meal where participants from different spiritual and cultural backgrounds gather to share food, conversation, and stories. We willl explore how food, tradition, and hospitality shape our identities and values — all in a warm, welcoming environment. There will be light facilitation and optional reflection prompts, but the focus is on connection, not programming. What to Expect: * Shared meal at a local restaurant * Interfaith-friendly, inclusive atmosphere * Conversation about culture, faith, and community * No speeches, no pressure — just presence Important Notes: * Attendees cover the cost of their own meal * Space may be limited based on reservations Location: [Dolan Uyghur Restaurant](https://www.dolanuyghur.com/), 3518 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008