Living Trusts

Details Location: Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. Here's the updated version: *** **Topic: Reasons to Be Excited (A Technology Optimism Round)** It's easy to doom-scroll your way into thinking the world is falling apart. And honestly, some of our recent meetings haven't helped. So this time, we're flipping the script: what technology are you actually *excited* about? This isn't a request for blind techno-utopianism. Skepticism is welcome. But the goal is to spend some time on the genuine wins and promising horizons, because there are more of them than the headlines suggest. Here's a quick tour of some things worth being optimistic about: * **AI in everyday life** — Love it or hate it, AI tools are genuinely saving people hours of tedious work. From coding assistants to writing tools to writing this very event descriptin you're reading now to AI that sits inside your spreadsheets and email, the practical applications are moving faster than most people expected even two years ago. The question is less "will this be useful?" and more "who actually benefits, and when?" * **Clean energy's quiet boom** — Solar and battery storage have had a decade of jaw-dropping cost reductions. The U.S. added more renewable capacity last year than any year on record. It's not fast enough for some, but the trajectory is real. * **CRISPR and gene editing** — In late 2023, the FDA approved the first CRISPR-based treatment for sickle cell disease — a condition that has caused lifelong suffering for millions of people with very few good options. It's the first of what could be a long list of genetic diseases that are now, for the first time, actually curable rather than just manageable. * **Lab-grown meat** — Chicken and beef grown directly from animal cells, no slaughter required. It's real, it's been approved for sale in the US, and while it's still expensive and not yet on your grocery shelf, the cost curves are dropping fast. Whether you care about animal welfare, climate, or just think it's cool, this one is quietly wild. * **SpaceX and the new space economy** — Reusable rockets went from fantasy to routine. Launch costs have dropped by an order of magnitude in 15 years, opening the door to satellite internet in remote areas, new science missions, and yes, eventually humans on Mars (whether or not that excites you). * **Brain-computer interfaces** — Still early, still expensive, but Neuralink and others are giving paralyzed patients the ability to control devices with their thoughts. The sci-fi shelf life on this one is getting shorter. **Questions to Consider:** * Is there a technology you were skeptical about that has actually won you over? What changed your mind? * Which of these feels most overhyped — and which feels *under*hyped? * Are the benefits of new technology reaching people broadly, or mostly concentrating among the already-fortunate? * Is optimism about technology a luxury? Does it depend on where you live, how much money you have, or what you do for work? * What's something small and unglamorous — not AI, not space — that has genuinely made your life better recently?

Sometimes we unintentionally invalidate the people we care about. Phrases like *“You’re overreacting,” “That’s not what happened,”* or *“You’re too sensitive”* may seem small — yet they can quietly erode trust and connection. In the long term, this behavior can cause relationships to fall apart. In this Authentic Relating workshop, we’ll explore how unintentional gaslighting shows up in everyday communication — and more importantly, what to say instead. Through embodied exercises, real-time relational games, and guided practice, you’ll learn how to: * Recognize subtle invalidation patterns * Stay regulated when someone’s emotions feel intense * Respond with empathy without abandoning your own truth * Repair when harm has already happened This is a space for growth, not blame — for learning how to create connection instead of confusion. Come practice turning defensiveness into curiosity and disconnection into understanding. **Who would benefit from this practice:** partners, family members, those who want help connecting with others (friendships), professionals who have trouble working with team members, and team leaders who are trying to make an impact. **About the instructor:** Mike is a certified Authentic Relating facilitator, trained through ART International, with ongoing training in Nonviolent Communication, and other heart-centered communication modalities. He is passionate about creating spaces where people can slow down, connect deeply, and experience meaningful connection. Mike facilitates Authentic Relating exercises with the intention of making a real and lasting impact in people’s lives. There is no mana exchange but donations are appreciated.

Live music every Thursday night at Jimmy’s. [Jimmy’s upcoming events.](https://www.jottnew.com/upcoming-events.html)

Support independent filmmakers in your comfiest pajamas at our BYOB, sleepover-themed movie watch party for short films! Bring your comfiest blanket, board games, nail polish and more for a cozy night indie films and music videos at Ernie's Place in southeast Washington DC. [Grab a Ticket Now](https://www.eventbrite.com/manage/events/1984484823528/details)

To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985) ***A Viennese Ball Celebrating the End of Winter COMBINED with a Karneval Celebration!*** A Celebration of 250 Years of American-Austrian Relations! March 20th signifies the end of winter! Celebrate in a multi-faceted evening that combines the elegance of the Austrian Winter Season, including their Viennese Balls, and the festive excitement of the Karneval Season! Tonight’s elegant event features Austrian Food, Open Bar, Ballroom Dancing, Live Music, Late Night DJ, and Dancing, Film and More! VIP Options Available. **PROGRAM:** **PART ONE: VIENNESE BALL** A) **DIPLOMATIC GREETING** Kick off the evening with a greeting by members of the embassy! B) **BALLROOM DANCING** Waltz to the Blue Danube and other classics on Austrian Soil as we celebrate the end of the Winter Ball Season! C) **BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS** Optional ballroom dance lessons will be offered by a master local instructor. D) **THE** "**RADETZKY MARCH”** Experience Strauss’ famous Ballroom March. Together, with our master instructors, you are invited to partake in Austria’s most beloved dances and marches. **PART TWO: KARNEVAL** A) LIVE AUTHENTIC AUSTRIAN KARNEVAL BAND: As if you were dancing in near the Prater’s Roller Coaster in Vienna, or on the Streets of Salzburg, celebrate the season with live musicians! One last chance to experience the Mardi Gras and Fasching Music before Winter Ends. B) KARNEVAL COSTUME CONTEST: If you arrive in masquerade, costume, or otherwise Karneval wear, a special costume contest will be held – with Austrian judges! Prizes awarded! Then, all costumed attendees will take part in a parade through the embassy hall. (Note: Costumes of a salacious, political, historically controversial nature, or any that contain weapons will not be permitted on embassy grounds. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to [events@thingstodoDC.com](mailto:events@thingstodoDC.com) for pre-approval. **C)** **THE CORONATION OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF KARNEVAL** In addition to the Costume Contest, a series of fun challenges will help us determine the ultimate Prince and Princess of Karneval. Prizes Awarded! **PART THREE: LATE NIGHT 21st CENTURY AUSTRIAN NIGHTLIFE** For the last hour of the event, one of Washington’s greatest DJs takes us via music to the hottest nightclubs of Berlin, Munich and Cologne - playing European and U.S. Retro, Modern High Energy, and Top 40 Dance hits! **FOOD:** AUSTRIAN BUFFET (VIP Option Below will Full Menu Options) If you ever strolled through an Austrian marketplace and looked in the store windows you can't help but be tempted by those delectable desserts. We'll have them for you to enjoy tonight as well: Linzer tortes, hazelnut tortes, Viennese apple tarts, Austrian white and dark chocolate Florentines, and bittersweet Austrian chocolate squares dusted with confectioner's sugar. Enjoy an evening buffet of these tantalizing Austrian delights, all as if picked from the best pastry shops in Austria. **VIP OPTION: For a little extra royalty this evening, you will get:** \- Early Admission to the Gala \(7:30 PM\); \- Private Champagne Reception; \- Special Early Austrian Carnival Dinner Menu \(TBA\) NOTE: Any concern or information request on the event MUST be addressed through our organization directly. Please do not contact the embassy with any specific questions. **NOTE**: This event is a lively, active celebration with limited seating. Plan for a lot of dancing, laughter and very active celebration - as they do in Austria To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-austria-viennese-ball-tickets-1983834697985)

Ausarian Tantra Yoga is a practice that infuses the spirit and power of enlightenment through synchronizing breath, movement, meditation, and silent affirmation. Ausarian Tantra Yoga incorporates postures that reflect some of the principles of the Kemetic culture. It is a practice wherein gradual and deliberate movement allows moments for the mind, body, and spirit to connect and express oneness. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

HIJYNX one of DMV's hottest party bands and one of our FAVORITES! High enery covers, killer vocals, and the music that will move you! Join us as we share our NOVA Live Music Mingle love for this amazing band!

Friends, we can do an out and back hike for this, 2-3 miles in total. There will be plenty of parking, we will meet at the parking lot. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. and of course, always bring a joke!! This is a meetup group for support and community. If you hit on me or anybody else in the group, you will be removed. People with agendas will be removed. **RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT:** By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature or city, carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5. You agree not to sue and to release, discharge, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities, claims, demands, losses, damages, suits and proceedings, for negligence, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.