Freedom of Information

**Braver Angels holds workshops, debates, and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide we are experiencing in our country.** Our events help conservatives, liberals, and independents get past stereotypes and have civil conversations about current issues, helping open the way to productive problem-solving, mutual respect and understanding. We have an exciting discussion planned for February and we hope you will join us. It’s been only a month in 2026 and it seems that everyday there is some news or the other that sparks more controversy and creates more polarization than ever before. **A Case in Point:** In Minnesota, current events—specifically Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation—have sparked a significant constitutional crisis involving the Second Amendment, the rule of law, and freedom of speech. **1\. Second Amendment \(Right to Bear Arms\)** The fatal shootings of Renee Good, a mother of two, and Alex Pretti, a nurse and concealed-carry permit holder, by federal agents in January 2026, has put the role of ICE, Freedom of Speech and Assembly, the Rule of Law and the Second Amendment at the center of the conflict. * **The Conflict:** Administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, argued that carrying a firearm with multiple magazines to a protest implies violent intent and is not a protected right. * **The Backlash:** Gun rights groups like the [National Association for Gun Rights](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=54af438f89&e=500efeae3d) and the [Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=9b87a21916&e=500efeae3d) have condemned these statements, noting that Minnesota law explicitly allows permit holders to carry at protests. They argue that exercising one right (First Amendment protest) does not negate another (Second Amendment self-defense). **2\. Freedom of Speech and Assembly** The [ACLU of Minnesota](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=d306a09b8d&e=500efeae3d) and other advocates allege that federal agents are systematically suppressing dissent through force and targeted arrests. * **Renee Good:** The January 2026 killing of Renee Good by an [ICE agent](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=ddc5885c7c&e=500efeae3d) in Minneapolis raises critical constitutional issues regarding the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on excessive force and unreasonable seizure. It tests the limits of federal officer immunity, specifically challenging claims of "[absolute immunity](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=55da441d59&e=500efeae3d)" under the [Supremacy Clause](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=90f0fb9009&e=500efeae3d). The case also spotlights the lack of legal mechanisms for holding federal agents accountable for violating civil rights. * **Journalist Arrests:** On January 30, 2026, journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested on federal charges related to their coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church. * **A Chilling Effect?** Organizations like [FIRE](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=db63d21e6b&e=500efeae3d) argue that federal investigations and grand jury subpoenas of state officials (including Governor Tim Walz) are intended to "chill" speech and discourage citizens from observing or filming law enforcement. **3\. The Rule of Law** The "rule of law" is currently being tested through a jurisdictional battle between state and federal authorities. * **Federalism and the 10th Amendment:** Minnesota's Attorney General and a coalition of cities have [filed a lawsuit](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=dd3fa783e5&e=500efeae3d) alleging that the federal government is "commandeering" local resources and violating the 10th Amendment by bypassing state authority. * **Accountability:** Groups such as the [Society for the Rule of Law](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=176c834bfb&e=500efeae3d) have criticized the administration for "dismissing core constitutional rights" and failing to provide evidence for claims that protesters are engaging in "riots" to justify the use of force. **Some Crises Make Strange Bedfellows:** The situation in Minnesota has become a notable **crossover issue**, creating an unusual alliance between progressives, libertarians, and mainstream conservatives who are increasingly uncomfortable with the federal government's tactics. Traditionally, gun rights are a conservative priority, but the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents has caused a rift. Groups like the Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights joined progressives in criticizing the administration, arguing that a lawful gun owner should not be criminalized for exercising their rights during a protest. Republican governors have joined Democratic counterparts to urge federal accountability, arguing that the operation is a test case for federal "retribution" that could eventually target any state. Both sides have condemned the use of warrantless raids, the arrest of journalists, and the prevention of state investigators from accessing federal crime scenes. Libertarians and progressive legal advocates (like those at the [Public Rights Project](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=6e3eaeaafb&e=500efeae3d)) are unified in the belief that the federal government is "unconstitutionally coercing" local law enforcement and schools to serve a federal immigration agenda. Meanwhile, Republican-leaning pollster [Cygnal](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=e05c097435&e=500efeae3d) reports that deportation and ICE are overwhelmingly supported by voters. So, where do we go from here? While we, as individuals, can exercise our freedom of speech and participate in protests to advocate change, real change will require action from Congress. And we can do our part in telling Congress exactly what we think! **What We Hope to Accomplish this Evening:** After some brief introductions, we will breakout into groups (how many will depend on the number of attendees) to discuss this issue.The groups will be chosen randomly *(as this is a crossover issue)* and will report back to answer this question: ***What would you convey to your Member of Congress about Minneapolis?*** **Time:** * Introductions - 10 minutes * Discussions - 60 minutes * Report Back - 30 minutes * Closeout and Next Steps - 10 minutes **Where and When:** ***Date:*** Tuesday February 10, 2026 ***Time:*** 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30 – snacks and mingling) ***Venue:*** McLean Governmental Center [1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=f600773430&e=500efeae3d) For questions, message Jennifer Ibarra or email fairfax-va@braverangels.org. We hope to see you there! If you like you may also register on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-would-you-tell-congress-about-immigration-events-in-minneapolis-registration-1982075915419?aff=oddtdtcreator&discount=BRAVER), though registering on both platforms is not necessary. **[Help us counter division! Click here to make a donation to our local alliance.](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=29336f40c5&e=500efeae3d)**

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Feb 10th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition) **Description:** This session explores how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can be used to connect AI models with real-world tools and data. Attendees will learn practical patterns for implementing MCP in production workflows and applications. Through examples and use cases, the session highlights how MCP enables more capable, context-aware AI systems. **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!!!!

**🐍 🛢️ How To Sell Snake Oil (& Your Best Ideas)** Persuasive Speech Patterns with Dr. Ed Tori ***‼️In person at room 401-D at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC*** **How do you get your ideas to land?** Have you ever heard phrases like “there’s no buy-in,” “they’re resistant,” or “this group will not move.” But what if resistance is not the problem? What if the issue is the way we communicate? In this lively, participatory workshop, **Dr. Ed Tori** will introduce you to a set of practical and surprisingly playful **persuasive speech patterns** drawn from his work in influence, hypnosis, storytelling, and behavior change. You will learn how people naturally shift into more persuasive communication when pressure is removed and creativity is sparked. At the center of the experience is a hilarious improvisational game inspired by the card game Snake Oil. Participants take on imaginative roles like zombies, pirates, or kindergarteners. Others must invent and pitch made-up products on the spot. The role-play creates immediate psychological safety and unlocks natural persuasive instincts you may not realize you have. Ed uses these moments to teach simple, powerful patterns you can apply to real conversations. **What you will explore** * Why people communicate more confidently and creatively when the stakes feel low * How persuasive speech patterns can transform conversations in facilitation, coaching, leadership, and team settings * Why resistance is often a signal of mismatched framing rather than unwillingness * How to speak to the human behind the role, label, or stereotype * How playful practice builds shared language, humor, and camaraderie among intact teams * How these patterns apply across contexts: healthcare, corporate environments, education, and family systems **What you will experience** * A fast-paced, interactive group exercise that helps you practice persuasive communication through play * Step-by-step teaching of speech patterns you can start using immediately * Opportunities to experiment, reflect, and compare approaches * Practical tools you can adapt for your own clients, teams, or classrooms **Who this is for** * Anyone who works with groups and wants their ideas to be heard. * Ideal for facilitators, coaches, consultants, organizational development practitioners, educators, designers, and leaders at any level. This session is especially helpful for people who work in environments where “resistance,” “lack of buy-in,” and “difficult stakeholders” are common refrains. **About the presenter** * Dr. Ed Tori is a physician, educator, and expert in influence and communication whose work blends behavioral science, improvisation, and hypnotic language patterns. He teaches leaders, clinicians, and teams how to help others think, feel, and act differently through ethical persuasion and intentional communication. His sessions are energetic, funny, experiential, and unforgettable. * NOVA Scribes has entered into a partnership with the IFVP: the International Forum of Visual Practitioners! This workshop is an IFVP Learning Lab. All IFVP members have access to Learning Labs at https://ifvpforum.circle.so/c/learning-hub/ This workshop will be recorded and posted on YouTube for anyone who cannot attend. You can find the YouTube link in the Comments section of this NOVA Scribes Meetup event once the workshop video has been uploaded to YouTube. You can find previously recorded videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJfInZHmS8prj2_DUaJ35CYY8n7SzoPMJ We’re not charging for this workshop, but we will be asking for donations! Donations cover the costs of hosting events on Meetup, to honorariums for new graphic recorders, and scholarships. Please be sure you are registered on Meetup! If your Zoom name doesn’t match your name on Meetup, you will not be admitted. (We’ve had Zoom bombers.)

We’re excited to bring the community together for an evening of learning and connection. This time, we'll have a community member sharing a use case and, as usual, an Elastic employee sharing their expertise as well. Come support your fellow developers, learn something new, and meet others who are passionate about search, observability, and security. **Date and Time:** Tuesday, February, 10th from 5:30-7:30 pm EDT **Location:** Elastic Arlington Office - 4100 Fairfax Drive, Ste 500, Arlington, VA 22203 **Agenda:** * 5:30 pm: Doors open; say hi, grab a seat, and eat some food. * 6:00 pm: "Streaming Context: Powering Semantic Search with Kafka and Elasticsearch", by Sandon Jacobs, Developer Advocate at Confluent * 6:30 pm: Q&A * 6:40 pm: "Agent Builder: Providing Relevant Context for Data Driven Agents", by Joe Gentsch, Senior Solutions Architect at Elastic * 7:10 pm: Q&A * 7:20-7:30 pm: Networking & refreshments **Talk Abstracts:** **"Streaming Context: Powering Semantic Search with Kafka and Elasticsearch"** As the de facto platform for event streaming, we’ve seen how data from Apache Kafka can easily empower basic keyword search. But let's be real, modern semantic search applications need *context* to interpret the real meaning and intent of a user's query. We could wait around for the next batch job to kick off and provide that context... *or* we could serve it up in near real-time right from our data streams. In this talk, we'll discuss how to leverage data streams from Kafka to power much smarter semantic search with Elasticsearch. We’ll follow a simple event from a Kafka topic and see how it transforms into a powerful vector embedding. Then, we’ll see this whole flow in action using a k-Nearest Neighbor search to instantly find similar items in milliseconds. While my code examples will be in Java or Kotlin using the Spring Boot and Spring AI ecosystem, FEAR NOT! The core concepts—getting data into a vector format via a stream—are totally language agnostic. Join us to grab a few practical ideas you can take and use in your next project! **"Agent Builder: Providing Relevant Context for Data Driven Agents"** What are agents? What is context engineering? Join us as we dive into the importance of context engineering for providing relevant information to agents, and how to build grounded agents using Elastic Agent Builder. **Parking:** * The building’s parking garage is operated by Colonial Parking and is located off N. Randolph Street * Book a spot on[ SpotHero](https://spothero.com/search?kind=address&latitude=38.8818514&longitude=-77.1095268&search_string=4100+Fairfax+Dr+%23500%2C+Arlington%2C+VA+22203%2C+USA) * A Metro Station is located across the street

Welcome. Come out and play! We meet on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th TUESDAY of the month. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Bring a chess set if you can. Friendly group and a variety of skill levels are typical for each meeting. Adults of any age and children with a parent are welcome. Cohosted by Effie and Lawrence. Email us for updates: greenbeltchessclub@gmail.com Kids Night will be held on the third Tuesday each month. One of our most experienced chess enthusiasts and instructors, Gary Fok, and possibly other instructors, will be on hand to teach. (Adults are welcome as well!)

Join us for trivia at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean, Virginia located at 1690 Anderson Rd every Tuesday evening. Trivia begins at 7pm, but please consider joining earlier, around 6:45, since seating’s first-come-first-served. The nearest metro is McLean. **Donation:** Neurodivergent District strives to compensate Neurodivergent District members that volunteer to host our events. Please consider a donation to @katewoodwardcm for hosting. Please specify "donation to trivia host" in the description of your payment. Questions? Text 202-925-0001.

**Come whit me, lets [Walk for Peace](https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa)** (Please, read the full event details if joining the walk - This is NOT a lets go to see the Monks pass-by meetup, this is a Lets go and join the Monks on they'r final 15+ miles from VA to DC as a day hike) The "Walk for Peace" is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage by 19 Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., started in late 2025, to spread messages of peace, [loving-kindness](https://www.google.com/search?q=loving-kindness&sca_esv=88967a97f71d192c&hl=en&source=hp&ei=WQlnafi5LPWz5NoPwrO1KQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAaWcXaY2YxerYQCnaYyPDxGnEnebiLN0K&ved=2ahUKEwiU0s29h4qSAxW4FlkFHX9sJ0UQgK4QegQIARAE&uact=5&oq=what+is+the+walk+for+pease+movement&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiN3aGF0IGlzIHRoZSB3YWxrIGZvciBwZWFzZSBtb3ZlbWVudDIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCkj_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_ZIHBDQxLjOgB5iSArIHBDM2LjO4B_AUwgcGMy4zMy44yAdegAgA&sclient=gws-wiz), and [compassion](https://www.google.com/search?q=compassion&sca_esv=88967a97f71d192c&hl=en&source=hp&ei=WQlnafi5LPWz5NoPwrO1KQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAaWcXaY2YxerYQCnaYyPDxGnEnebiLN0K&ved=2ahUKEwiU0s29h4qSAxW4FlkFHX9sJ0UQgK4QegQIARAF&uact=5&oq=what+is+the+walk+for+pease+movement&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiN3aGF0IGlzIHRoZSB3YWxrIGZvciBwZWFzZSBtb3ZlbWVudDIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCkj_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_ZIHBDQxLjOgB5iSArIHBDM2LjO4B_AUwgcGMy4zMy44yAdegAgA&sclient=gws-wiz), documented online and supported by communities along their route, notable for their silent, mindful journey with a rescue dog named Aloka. **Key Aspects:** * **Origin:** The walk was initiated by monks from the [Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center](https://www.google.com/search?q=Huong+Dao+Vipassana+Bhavana+Center&sca_esv=88967a97f71d192c&hl=en&source=hp&ei=WQlnafi5LPWz5NoPwrO1KQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAaWcXaY2YxerYQCnaYyPDxGnEnebiLN0K&ved=2ahUKEwiU0s29h4qSAxW4FlkFHX9sJ0UQgK4QegQIAxAB&uact=5&oq=what+is+the+walk+for+pease+movement&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiN3aGF0IGlzIHRoZSB3YWxrIGZvciBwZWFzZSBtb3ZlbWVudDIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCkj_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_ZIHBDQxLjOgB5iSArIHBDM2LjO4B_AUwgcGMy4zMy44yAdegAgA&sclient=gws-wiz) in Fort Worth, Texas. * **Purpose:** To raise awareness for peace, mindfulness, and compassion, not as a protest, but as a moving meditation. * **Journey:** A roughly 2,300-mile trek across several states, beginning in October 2025 and expected to finish in February 2026, with Washington, D.C., as the destination. * **Participants:** 19 monks and a rescue dog, Aloka (The Peace Dog). * **Method:** The monks walk in silence, often barefoot, engaging in [mindful practice](https://www.google.com/search?q=mindful+practice&sca_esv=88967a97f71d192c&hl=en&source=hp&ei=WQlnafi5LPWz5NoPwrO1KQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAaWcXaY2YxerYQCnaYyPDxGnEnebiLN0K&ved=2ahUKEwiU0s29h4qSAxW4FlkFHX9sJ0UQgK4QegQIAxAG&uact=5&oq=what+is+the+walk+for+pease+movement&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IiN3aGF0IGlzIHRoZSB3YWxrIGZvciBwZWFzZSBtb3ZlbWVudDIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCkj_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_ZIHBDQxLjOgB5iSArIHBDM2LjO4B_AUwgcGMy4zMy44yAdegAgA&sclient=gws-wiz), with supporters offering food, water, and lodging. * **Community Interaction:** They tie blessing strings (a simple thread) on supporters' wrists as tangible reminders of peace, fostering a connection between the journey and the individuals. * **Online Presence:** The group actively shares updates, photos, and live maps on social media (Facebook), garnering significant support and media attention. In essence, it's a walking meditation and grassroots effort to promote a message of inner and outer peace through personal example and community connection across the United States. **Proper & Respectful Practice TO BE FOLLOW when meeting the Monks:** **1\. Choose simple\, clean flowers \-** Fresh flowers without strong fragrance are ideal. Simplicity reflects sincerity. **2\. Place them low\, not high \-** Gently place the flowers on the ground, never at head level or above the monk. **3\. Do not block the path \-** Set the flowers slightly to the side or just ahead of where the monk will step, allowing him to pass naturally without changing his stride. **4\. Kneel or bow if appropriate \-** If culturally appropriate, kneel or bow briefly after placing the flowers. Keep movements calm and unhurried. **5\. Maintain silence \-** Avoid speaking, calling attention, or making eye contact unless the monk initiates it. **6\. Step back mindfully \-** After placing the flowers, step back to allow space. Let the offering speak for itself. **7\. Offer with intention\, "not expectation" \-** The true offering is your mindfulness and gratitude, not recognition. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Proper way to present your self to a Monk:** To show respect in front of a Buddhist monk, it is generally recommended to **bow with your palms pressed together** (known as the *añjali* gesture or *wai* in Thai culture), which is a common and appropriate form of greeting and reverence. Full prostration (the "kowtow") is typically reserved for sacred objects like a Buddha statue during specific ceremonies, not as a casual greeting. Here are the appropriate steps and considerations for greeting a Buddhist monk: The Basic Greeting (Añjali/Wai) 1. **Bring your hands together, palm-to-palm, in front of your chest**. This gesture is called *añjali* (or *wai* in Thailand) and can be used as a greeting, a thank-you, or when speaking with the monk. 2. **Raise your hands** to a level appropriate for the monk's status. * For a typical monk, the hands are often raised to the level of the lowered forehead, with the index fingers or thumbs touching the forehead. * The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect shown. 3. **Accompany the gesture with a slight bow of your head or from the waist**, keeping your back and neck straight. 4. **Avoid physical contact** such as shaking hands, especially if you are a woman, as many monks follow a strict code of conduct regarding physical contact with people of the opposite sex. \* Deeper Expression of Respect (Prostration/Kowtow) A more profound sign of respect, often referred to as kowtow in a general sense, is the full **prostration** (known as *krab* in Thai culture). This is typically done during formal ceremonies in a temple or shrine room: 1. **Kneel** on the floor with your body composed. Men usually sit on their heels, while women may sit with their legs tucked to one side. 2. **Bow forward**, placing your palms on the floor about six inches apart, and touch your forehead to the floor between your hands. 3. **Repeat this three times** to show reverence to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). 4. Avoid pointing your feet toward the monk or a Buddha image while seated or prostrating, as this is considered highly disrespectful in many cultures. **General Etiquette** * **Address the monk respectfully:** Use titles such as "Bhante" (Pali for "Venerable Sir") or "Venerable". In some traditions, senior monks with over ten years of experience may be addressed as "Ajahn" (Thai for "teacher"). * **Dress modestly:** Ensure your shoulders, chest, and knees are covered when visiting a temple or meeting a monk. * **Sit at a lower level:** If the monk is sitting, you should sit as well, avoiding sitting in a higher position than the monk. * **Use both hands when offering something** and avoid passing items directly to a monk of the opposite gender; use a receiving cloth or place the item on a nearby surface instead. * **Be mindful of your feet:** Never point the soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha image. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join me to Welcome the Walk for Pease Monks and walk whit them on they last miles from Virginia to DC. around 15 miles. This will be a day hike, check the weather conditions on schedule day and wear layers accordingly. Be ready to bail out at any point if necessary. Main idea is to join them and follow them to they final destination on Washington DC. **(This is will NOT be your comum camaraderie gathering, "we must" remain silence all the time while we follow the monks steps on they walk to DC)** [Walk for Pease Facebook page, follow them here](https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/reels/) [Walk for Pease main information webpage ](https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPT9bdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjV0ZIbUticHBxclU5dUJRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq2pGDrfIvv2AZV2pdaC0dkMzWFNBmYhWWuxnQiPnsWrOr3oak1lAKnFmmG9_aem_iqqtCUJa4zS8dJ3O4EnzxA) [Walk track map here](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZWZISG9wQndOQWVuRENRcXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6y5fmBoPZS2IHWeHm2Ro3KQ-SiDQmCThN8rOw_yfU3L2pnSqCAryoy4YkYiw_aem_6ibEwErq4BfbxA_7GWNwWw&mid=1f7eSxLc3YUERnnfeAK3NMg2hBI4zKDY&ll=35.67283467249799%2C-80.27828868165432&z=5) **NOTE:** Day schedule is not certain just yet, will be update as soon we have certainty of the arrival to Vienna area or close neighborhood ( 16 miles - This is only and estimate distance, Vienna area is only a guess for now but they may arrive to any other location on a 20 miles radius from it) **IMPORTANT:** You will need a designate driver to drop you on a location where we will join the monks, at this point we don know but will be the only way not to leave any cars on an area were it can get a ticket or be toll away. This time, In my personal case, I may use public transportation or Uber to reach the meeting point. **More details will be post it soon.**

Monthly meeting: Second Saturday of the month International House of Pancakes (IHOP) 775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 7:00 PM – 10 PM. Late arrivals always welcome. Look for the table with someone wearing a red hat. Questions, please call 1-240-644-5230 Agenda: What are more things we can do to wake people up? What can we do to get more people involved? Other things people would like to talk about. This will be a joint meeting with: DC 9/11 Truth [https://dc911truth.org/](https://dc911truth.org/) dc911truth Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/) 911 Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/) Central Bank Digital Currencies CBDC Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/](https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/) Freedom of Speech Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/) If you think things are bad now, just wait till technology enables them to censor your emails before you hit "send", censor your text messages as you type, and censor your phone calls while you talk. .................................................................... If you follow the ratings of the dinosaur media, you will notice their ratings have been going down for years. Tucker Carlson has ratings that are high (several times higher than CNN). This interview is about an hour long. People often listen to these long interviews while driving. Everything You Need to Know about the Government’s Mass Censorship Campaign [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRYSKaS-XtQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRYSKaS-XtQ) In this interview some things we have been noticing for years are talked about with some explanations given. …………………………………………………………………………… coming to a neighborhood near you The Dangers of Posting on Social Media \| Konstantin Kisin [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIl-HO9Ng3I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIl-HO9Ng3I) …………………………………………………………………………… Censorship is a hallmark of totalitarianism. …………………………………………………………………………… .

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12, KJV) Please join the Christian Party of America’s monthly Nationwide, public Conference Call to discuss current political issues with like-minded Christians. The conference call is the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM est. Lets join in a discussion on what can be done to address the concerns we all share for the status of our country’s civil government and have prayer to close the call. Guest speakers will be present at some of the calls to provide input on political issues. The Christian Party of America (www.christianpartyof america.com) is a new, national third-party of Christian voters, dedicated to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in the political arena. Our purpose is to bring our country back to being an unabashedly Christian nation, by offering and electing competent candidates who share and promote our vision. Please join us in our goal of uniting believers under the banner of Jesus Christ to bring constitutional freedom to all people of the United States. We believe in the Christian principles set forth in the Bible, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian Party of America’s nationwide Conference Calls are a great opportunity to connect with other Christian Party supporters as we try to make a difference in this country. So sign on with us for the conference call to discuss issues and contribute your thoughts about what we can be doing politically. Our conference calls are open to the public and are for all of us who are interested in the Christian Party of America. It is an easy-access way to share ideas and learn more about what is going on around the country with the Christian Party of America. Hope you can make it! There is no extra charge to participate other than the usual charges by your phone plan for a long distance call. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) KJV)

Curious about Bitcoin but don’t know where to start? The headlines say one thing, the charts say another—but what’s the actual deal? Join us for Bitcoin Office Hours at PubKey DC this Wednesday from 4–6 PM. John Balkam (CMO at [Sovreign](https://www.sovreign.io/)) will be on hand to cut through the noise and answer the questions you’ve been hesitant to ask, such as: * What is Bitcoin, what does it mean to be truly scarce, and why is Bitcoin fundamentally different than all other cryptos? * How do you actually buy it? And do you really have to buy a whole coin? (Spoiler: You can start with as little as $1). * What is a wallet, and what does it mean to actually own your money through self-custody? Drop in any time between 4 and 6 PM to get your questions answered. Just mention "Bitcoin Office Hours" to the bartender and they’ll point you in the right direction. **Getting There:** * ​🔵🟠⚪ Federal Triangle + 10 min walk * ​🟢🟡 Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter + 2 min walk * ​🔴 Judiciary Square or Metro Center + 8 min walk * ​There is limited street parking and several nearby paid garages Not financial advice. Do your own research.

We've been waiting for this one with great anticipation. Aaron Posner has been one of the best theater makers in DC for a long time. Master illusionist Dendy and acclaimed playwright/director Posner reunite after their smash-hit collaboration on *The Tempest* for a spellbinding new one-man show. **To buy tickets, go to [this link](https://www.roundhousetheatre.org/on-stage/explore/nothing-up-my-sleeve/). Click on "Buy Tickets" in the upper right. Click on arrow for Feb. 11 to join us. (Feb. 14 matinee is also PWYC.) Then choose a Zone - they're all good - and the Pay What You Can dollar choice will come up. Follow through to the end. I think these tickets will go quickly.** Part dazzling magic act, part deeply personal journey, *Nothing Up My Sleeve...Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans* pulls back the curtain on the history of magic while exploring Dendy’s own path to becoming a magician. Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and transported into a world where the impossible becomes reality. Featuring captivating storytelling, audience interaction, jaw-dropping tricks, and mind-bending surprises, this exhilarating experience will leave you believing in magic again.

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT - [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13268#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13268#tix)** (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. ) This is the ADULT version of our very popular Survey Says game. There is nothing X-rated, but some of the questions would be considered R-rated or involve adult themes. HOW IT WORKS: This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. In addition you will get to meet and interact with other participants. At game time, your host will read off several survey questions on a variety of topics. Your goal is to come up with the number one answer to each question and write it down on your paper. Once the round is over (about 6 questions), we will go through the answers and determine who had the highest score for the round. The winners will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize at the end of the event. Prizes will be an Amazon Gift card! HOW DO YOU FIND THE ONLINE EVENT ROOM: Zoom link will be emailed to you DAY OF THE EVENT. RSVPS on here are NOT reflective of actual attendance as this is a multi group event. Prepay required at **[https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13268#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13268#tix)** **For more fun events:** **Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)** **Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)**

Monthly meeting: Second Saturday of the month International House of Pancakes (IHOP) 775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 7:00 PM – 10 PM. Late arrivals always welcome. Look for the table with someone wearing a red hat. Questions, please call 1-240-644-5230 Agenda: What are more things we can do to wake people up? What can we do to get more people involved? Other things people would like to talk about. This will be a joint meeting with: DC 9/11 Truth [https://dc911truth.org/](https://dc911truth.org/) dc911truth Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc911truth/) 911 Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kyegaoqu/) Central Bank Digital Currencies CBDC Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/](https://www.meetup.com/central-bank-digital-currencies-cbdc/) Freedom of Speech Meetup Group [https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/silver-spring-freedom-of-speech-meetup-group/)

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Please Join Us For The Winter Session Of Family-to-Family Winter session of F2F dates are Feb 12 – Apr 3 [https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/](https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/).

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia