Metaphysics and Astrology

[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).

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free sessions and everyone is welcome to join.

“Metaphysical Mugs and Muffins” is meeting in a new location at Rising Phoenix in Manassas on Saturdays! Are you feeling a little isolated or just want to meet some new people? In spite of these unusual times, you’re invited to meet us in person, if you feel comfortable being with others. Meet others who like to talk about lots of metaphysical subjects. If you’re just curious, we are a great resource to learn about anything you might be interested in. We have a positive attitude, and we like to brighten and raise the energy of the earth to help people feel more comfortable in these changing times. Stop by and join us for this fun, light-hearted and popular event, hosted by Rising Phoenix and co-hosted by Jacqui and Mary Jo. Share what you’re passionate about. Ask questions. Discover something new. Make a new friend. Laugh. A lot. No specific topic. Bring any books, oracle cards, crystals, etc. you would like to share. Or just bring your beautiful self. Bring your coffee, a latte, a muffin or a snack. We love meeting new people and hope to see you soon! Location: Rising Phoenix Day: Starting Saturday, September 12, 2020 Time: 11:00-?? a.m. Cost: FREE, but a love donation is appreciated! We also have Tuesday evening meetings from 6:30-8:30. They are also free(love donation) For these meetings, we do have an interesting topic each week that we share and talk about. Topics can be shared by everyone who would like to talk about something they are interested in.

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!

This month at **Taproom Theology**, we’re handing the mic to the people everyone talks *about* but rarely talks *with*: **Gen Z students**. Join us for a candid, eye‑opening panel where local teens and young adults share the real challenges their generation is navigating — from mental health and identity to faith, friendships, pressure, and the future they’re inheriting. But this isn’t just a conversation about struggles. It’s a chance to hear **what they wish parents, churches, and schools understood**, the questions they *want* adults to ask, and the support they’re actually looking for. Expect honesty. Expect surprises. Expect wisdom that doesn’t sound like a lecture — because it’s coming straight from the voices living it every day. Whether you’re a parent, educator, ministry leader, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this is a rare opportunity to listen, learn, and build bridges across the generational gap. **Come ready to hear. Come ready to rethink. Come ready to understand Gen Z on their own terms.**

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!