Logic

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *"I'm scared! It's like a horror movie!"* *"That's out of date. Step aside. This is a karate movie!"* Nobuhiko Obayashi’s *House* is less a horror film than a psychedelic fever dream that happens to be haunted. When a group of schoolgirls visit a remote countryside house, logic quickly evaporates, replaced by floating heads, ravenous furniture, and a visual language that feels closer to a children’s cartoon than a traditional ghost story. *House* was created in direct opposition to the prestige dramas and somber horror of its era, resulting in a cult classic that feels anarchic even today. Using crude visual effects, cartoon logic, and musical cues, the film creates horror through excess rather than restraint. It’s funny, disorienting, and utterly unique — a film that feels like it’s being invented moment by moment. ***

♠️ Last Saturday Spades in Silver Spring! ♠️ 🌟 In Downtown Silver Spring 🕕 6:00pm to 10:00pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Nearby Parking in Wayne Ave. Garage 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ****** ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 6:00pm! RSVP today.

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Friday 10a, 1/30**. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership) \*\*\* **Winter Restaurant Week [RW] is back in DC!**: Learn more about DC's Restaurant Week ([http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/](http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/)) * Officially runs Jan 19 - 25 [some places like Mallard will extend the deal beyond these dates] * 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $40 / $55 / $65 price tiers [not including drinks, and our required 30% tax / tip] → For this RW event Mallard will be at the $55 tier, so **the minimum cost for the deal is \~$72** [drinks, wine/beer, and any extras items are additional and still factors our 30% tax/tip] → **By attending the event, each member agrees to participate using the Restaurant Week menu, and agree this $ minimum**. CASH PREFERRED PLEASE! \*\*\* **SPECIAL RULE for RSVPing to ANY RESTAURANT WEEK EVENT**: Lol, rule waived for this Restaurant Week period. ;) \*\*\* *** I'm in the mood for Southern dishes. Let's revisit one of the best in the area at Mallard—a Logan Circle standout blending Southern lowcountry ingredients with refined technique. We went here during Summer 2025 RW and it was very highly rated. It's a deep menu for RW, which is great to see. **FOOD**: Refined Southern. Led by Executive Chef Hamilton Johnson (“Chef Ham”), Mallard riffs on his South Carolina roots with smart sourcing and whole-animal creativity, duck is often used in many dishes. Johnson cooked under Charleston legend Frank Lee and later at DC icon Vidalia under Jeffrey Buben (8 years as lead Chef de Cuisine), so expect comfort flavors elevated with polish. Ah I miss you, Vidalia. **→** **[Checkout the RW menu on page 3 (PDF)](https://c8c632ac-6c55-4674-83e4-e16ee90cf3ed.filesusr.com/ugd/a14382_6d932c5beddb496aa002c047b450476d.pdf)**. Reminder: **All must opt into the RW menu and pricepoints. A couple of the items are have upcharges if selected (mostly duck dishes).** Curated beer program that sources from upstairs neighbor, Churchkey. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. For Restaurant Week expect an optional Wine Pairing list will be offered with this menu. **SPACE**: Warm, convivial bistro energy—perfect for sharing plates and conversation. Mallard sits on 14th Street near Logan Circle. Beloved beer mecca Churchkey is above, for context. → Checkout [Mallard's website](https://www.mallarddc.com/) to learn more +++++++++ ==> **Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy** (this is NOT optional. it's a requirement to attend any of our events). ==> Limited to **8** slots See you there! JoeN *** **CLOSEST METRO:** **McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver)**. Exit to 14th & I St NW. Walk north on 14th St NW \~0.6 mi (10–12 min) to 1337 14th St NW (between N St and Rhode Island Ave). Easy straight shot up 14th. Alternatives: **Farragut North (Red) or Dupont Circle (Red)** are \~15 minutes’ walk. For directions using the Metro, try using the [Trip Planner at the WMATA website](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/index.cfm). **PARKING**: No Valet parking. Multiple Parking Garages or ground level paid parking lots nearby though. Else, street parking within 4 blocks is not impossible but come early to hunt. Rideshare or use Spothero. *** 1. Limited to **8** slots. 2. **If you RSVP "YES" please make sure you can definitely make it**. With 5,000+ members and limited seating, we cannot afford no-shows. It's unfair to the other members who would like to attend and also to the organizers who have to explain to the restaurant why the reserved # of guests didn't show (can damage our reputation and ability to do larger reservations in the future). No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply (*repeat No-Show or Late Cancel can impact membership*). 3. **Join the WAIT-LIST if you don't get an initial spot**! Use the Waitlist option. Also, check back regularly as attendees have been known to cancel up to Noon the day of the event. We may use emails during the week to confirm continued interest, so check! 4. **Billing (add 30% tax/tip to your bill)**. Remember, include the required 30% for tip/tax in addition to the food/beverages you order as defined in our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845#2991513). 5. **NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS,** if you have questions about the group, RSVPs, or the overall dining event process, visit our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845) and our No-Show Policy (http://tinyurl.com/5byotq).

Title: Geometric Machine Learning with Symmetries and Graphs: Applications in Molecular Problems Date: Jan 31 2026 Noon - 14:00 EST Abstract: For geometric problems, symmetry equivariant machine learning has emerged as the modus operandi. In physics, symmetry is treated as the north star, the guiding principle for problem characterization and method optimization. Geometric features are inherently compatible with continuous Lie groups (and therefore symmetries), leading to continuous parametrization and successful training methodologies. The general mapping of a classical embedding and a quantum mechanical embedding will be discussed in terms of group theoretical concepts. In the context of embeddings, graph embedding is also a powerful method for machine learning problems taking better care of inter-relations among nodal variables. Classical and quantum neural networks with different subsets of the concepts mentioned will be defined and learning attempted with. The dataset under study is geometric molecular data (from quantum mechanical models) with varying geometric complexity. Performance comparison will include accuracy metrics, generalizability metrics, and.general remarks about expressivity. Bio: Dr Saumya Biswas completed a Master's degree in electrical engineering from University of California Riverside in 2016, a PhD in Physics from University of Oregon in 2021. He has been serving as a PostDoc at University of Maryland from 2022. He is also active in the technology subspace, working with the companies Apsidal LLC and Sapienly for AI and quantum information innovations. Moderators: Dr. Sebastian Zajac, member of QPoland, Dr. Pawel Gora, CEO of Quantum AI Foundation

Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! There will be another class starting at noon for the library if you want to stay and keep practicing. See you there! Shaman Phil

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

**RSVP through [this link](https://partiful.com/e/gQEYp0TKhTcKT6DsOwRe?c=arvpX4dn) only!** Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life. **Current read:** *Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins* by Amy Shea Buy [here](https://bookshop.org/p/books/too-poor-to-die-the-hidden-realities-of-dying-in-the-margins-amy-shea/0de5ecc3c35fbc73?ean=9781978843981&next=t&next=t&affiliate=88548) to support People's Book in Takoma Park, MD.

Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities? When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress. *“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

## 🌆 Thrive: A Curated Singles Night (Ages 28–42) **Part of the *Cuffed by Cupid* Match Series** 💘 A four-event winter singles series leading up to Valentine’s Day. 🗓 **Saturday, January 31** ⏰ **8:00 – 10:00 PM** 📍 **Eighteenth Street Lounge — Washington, DC** *** You’re building your career. Your community. Yourself. And maybe you’re also ready to meet people who are doing the same — and actually *get it*. **Thrive** is a curated singles night for people in their late 20s to early 40s who want more than surface-level banter. This event is intentional, relaxed, and thoughtfully structured to help real conversations happen naturally. We use our **Matchbox compatibility quiz** to guide up to three curated matches throughout the night — no speed dating, no awkward games, and no pressure to perform. After hosting **12+ events for over 373 guests**, we’ve refined the flow, questions, and hosting so the experience feels smooth, social, and genuinely enjoyable. *** ### 🎟️ IMPORTANT: Tickets Required RSVPing “Yes” on Meetup does **not** guarantee entry. All attendees must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite to attend. (The ticket link will be shared in the event comments and confirmation message.) *** ### 💫 How It Works • Arrive, grab a drink, and complete a short compatibility quiz on your phone • Our Matchbox system uses values, goals, and personality to curate up to **3 matches** • Matches are revealed in relaxed rounds throughout the evening • Plenty of time to mingle with the full group before and after This is structured enough to make meeting people easy — and relaxed enough to feel natural. *** ### ⏰ Event Schedule **8:00 PM** – Arrival & check-in **8:15 PM** – Compatibility quiz opens **8:45 PM** – Matches revealed **9:00 PM** – Match #1 **9:20 PM** – Match #2 **9:40 PM** – Match #3 **10:00 PM** – Open mingling 👉 Please arrive by **8:30 PM** to be included in matchmaking. *** ### 👗 Dress Code Smart casual to semi-formal. Sweaters, boots, blazers, jumpsuits — look polished, feel comfortable, and come as yourself. *** ### 📋 What You’ll Need • A smartphone with internet access • Arrival by 8:30 PM • An open mindset — we’ll handle the rest *** ### 🛡️ Safety, Access & Policies • Venue is upstairs with **limited accessibility (stairs only)** • This is a **safe, respectful, and inclusive space** • Disruptive behavior or harassment will result in removal • Photos and video may be taken for community promotion • Refunds available up to **4 days before the event** (Eventbrite policy applies) *** ### 💬 Why Thrive Works You’re not here to waste time — but you’re also not rushing it. Thrive is designed for people who care about depth, direction, and meeting others in a similar phase of life. 📸 Follow along: **@dmv.experiences**

* **Explore or examine how we treat God’s creatures, other people, and ourselves** * **Learn new actions we can take, such as a new way of thinking or being** * **Open the heart to love and understanding** **Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom.** **Attend in person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **Join Zoom Meeting:** **[The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1)** **Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995** **Passcode: 403417** **Dial-In: 301-715-8592** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)** **“The law of life known as the Law of Karma is the great teacher. As you sow, so shall ye reap. It’s not a vindictive law; it’s a law designed to open the heart to love and understanding.”** **—Harold Klemp, The Awakened Heart, p 89.** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.**

**To confirm attendance, please also register on Luma: [https://luma.com/fwvre5x3](https://luma.com/fwvre5x3)** Let's discuss this classic movie Groundhog Day on the day before the Groundhog Day of 2026. **Please watch this movie before joining the discussion:** [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/) If more than 6 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. **(max 6 people per group)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **Phil's character changed through accumulated daily choices over time. How do our repeated small decisions shape who we ultimately become?** 2. **Phil's pursuit of pleasure without consequence left him feeling empty. Why might selfish gratification fail to provide lasting fulfillment?** 3. **Phil's lowest moments became the catalyst for his genuine transformation. How can a crisis serve as a turning point toward growth?** 4. **Phil found meaning through learning skills like piano and ice sculpting. What makes skill-building fulfilling even when external rewards are absent?** 5. **Phil's calculated attempts to win Rita failed until he became genuinely good. What distinguishes authentic connection from performed affection?** 6. **Phil transformed by memorizing the town's needs and serving others daily. How do small acts of service shape both individuals and communities?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course: (2026) February 21-22 March 21-22 April 25-26 May 30-31 June 27-28 Students must attend all 5 weekends to receive Certificate Classes run from 8:30am-5:30pm each scheduled day Information & Registration Link can be found here: [Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course](https://www.gafee.org/#/polarity-reflexology-pr/) *[Global Academy for Energetic Education (GAFEE) is Registered with the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and is authorized to teach Diploma and Certificate Programs. (Registration #2091)](https://oh.edvera.com/directory/institutions)*

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

"Astrology: The Essential Basics" 5 classes with Judi Vitale, MA, C.A., NCGR-PAA Wed, Feb 11 | Zoom This course is an introduction to astrology for those who are interested in using this ancient art and science for their own illumination, and in preparing to offer astrology services to clients. About the event Astrology: The Essential Basics - Class Outline A 5-part course presented by Judi Vitale, MA, C.A. NCGR-PAA Wednesday 7:30 PM February 11 (#1) and 25 (#2), March 11 (#3) and 25 (#4), April 8 (#5). This course is an introduction to astrology for those who are interested in using this ancient art and science for their own illumination, and in preparing to offer astrology services to clients. It covers the very basic elements of astrology, including how astrology can be used and the ethics involved in working with clients. Written materials are provided, along with instruction on drawing the glyphs of the planets and signs. The Whole Signs House system will be used as the basis for this course. This system makes it easier for students to comprehend the meanings of elements, modalities, sect, and aspects. Each class is 90 minutes in length. Lesson #1: Astrology: A Historical Overview and Applications in the Modern World Lesson #2: The Zodiac, The Signs, and the Planets that Play in Them Lesson #3: The Ways the Planets Play (Planets in Signs) Lesson #4: The Houses and Aspects Lesson #5: Forecasting with Transits - Ethics and Technique After more than 40 years as a professional astrologer, speaker, and writer, Judi thrives on sharing what she has been given by her illustrious teachers. She earned her Level IV Certification from NCGR-PAA in 1995, She specializes in counseling clients using techniques ranging from traditional astrology to Uranian analysis. Judi holds a Master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling, and offers a coaching practice that emphasizes hypnotherapy and breathwork as well as astrology. She lives in Pittsburgh with her tiny dog Candace.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/