Pilots
Meet other local people interested in Pilots: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Pilots group.
11
members
2
groups
Largest Pilots groups
Newest Pilots groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out pilots events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the pilots events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find pilots events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Pilots Events Today
Join in-person Pilots events happening right now
Profs & Pints DC: Owl Wisdom
[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Owl Wisdom,”** an introduction to the biology, habits, and conservation of various owl species in our region and beyond, with Steve Sheffield, professor of biology at Bowie State University, curator of mammals and birds for the Natural History Society of Maryland, and president of the Maryland Ornithological Society.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-owl-wisdom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-owl-wisdom) .]
Who wants to learn about owls?
If you are fascinated by these hunters of the night, you’ll love spending an evening with Steve Sheffield, a biologist who extensively studies owls and works to conserve them.
He’ll start by covering the different types of owls in our region and elsewhere, and the ways in which their bodies and their sizes represent physical adaptations to their environment. He’ll especially focus on the owl species of the United States and Canada, describing their biology, ranges, preferred habitat and prey, behavior, and vocalizations.
You’ll learn how and why field biologists study owls and how owl researchers from around the world assemble periodically to discuss their work. We’ll consider owls' value to ecosystems and, especially, humans and human-dominated landscapes where they serve as especially efficient killers of rodents and other crop-harming pests.
Dr. Sheffield will talk about the many years he has spent researching owls, with much of his work focused on their exposure to environmental contaminants and how they’re affected.
Being top predators, owls serve as sensitive bioindicators of contamination throughout the food chain. Much like canaries in coal mines, they function as an early warning system alerting us to potentially dangerous levels of toxicity. We don’t just study them for their own good, but ours as well. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: Burrowing owls in Florida (Photo by travelingwayoflife / Creative Commons).
SOS North Bethesda/Rockville Happy Hour
Join us at Seasons 52 Restaurant in North Bethesda.
Join sailors from the Singles on Sailboats club and learn about our sailing opportunities -- day sails and weekends on the Chesapeake, bareboat charter opportunities around the world. Third Thursday of each month. www.singlesonsailboats.org
Explore your interest in sailing, whether you're just curious, a novice, experienced, or a skipper. SOS offers many ways to engage in the sport, educational presentations, and varied social events on a limited budget. Come to our Happy Hour, meet some members, learn about the club, and consider joining! Just ask for the SOS Group.
**FYI:** Though Meet Up may show few people attending, when you arrive many of the actual Singles on Sailboats club members will be there also. So, meet and greet, learn about the club and enjoy a Happy Hour with like-minded boaters.
Host: Debbie Goldberg
For more information about this gathering contact Debbie Goldberg at hidebbieg@yahoo.com
Medium Level (B Group): Thirsty Thursday - Garmin/RidewithGPS
**NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: Thirsty Thursday ("B" group)
* START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
* START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
* START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac
* ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
* SPEECH: 6:35pm
* ROLLING: 6:45pm
* LEVEL: Medium ("B" group)
* PACE: NMT 16mph
* DISTANCE: 14.5 miles
* TERRAIN: Trail / Street
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486)
**NOTES:**
* Try out a Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment (No Drop).
* **Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required as the season progresses.**
* All road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed
* Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food).
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride : Detail**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Thirsty Thursday.
Thirsty Thursday is about trying a solid Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment. We welcome strong Beginner Level riders that are willing to push themselves to become better cyclists.
This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to really try to keep pace. The lead will go no more than 16mph and other organizers/helpers will attempt to "fill the gaps" as we ride.
This is a mostly flat ride from Jones Point to Fort Hunt. Of course the "price of admission" for this ride is a hill that presents itself as soon as we enter the neighborhood across the GW Parkway... we have named it "The PUNISHER". If you successfully climb that hill, you are officially a CBG "B" group rider.
Once we get to Fort Hunt we will do laps (or you can rest) for a bit before heading back the way we came.
If you normally ride faster than 15mph you are welcome to practice your "keeping pace" skills. If you've done this ride at least once before and have the route loaded on a Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or the RidewithGPS app there is also an "A" group version that you can sign up for (aka Very Thirsty Thursday) that rides independently and faster.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Dr.
Alexandria , VA 22314
GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride After The Ride:**
***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)***
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Southside 815
815 South Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.6222
[http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/)
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
* NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
Monthly Scribe Circle
**Join Nova Scribes for an in person Scribe Circle** to practice graphic recording together and build the kind of community that makes solo work feel a little less solo. We'll spend the heart of our time graphic recording a former Nova Scribes talk on visual practice as well as spend some time reflecting on our work and sharing real time feedback.
**Who is this for?**
Graphic recorders, visual practitioners, sketchnoters and anyone who listens, thinks, and draws at the same time. Whether you've been doing this for years or you're still finding your style, you're welcome here.
**No prior experience with the group required.** Bring your paper and markers - a few foam boards will be available. The fee covers the price of the venue.
Advanced Level (A Group): Very Thirsty Thursday - Garmin/RidewithGPS
**NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: Very Thirsty Thursday ("A" group)
* START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge)
* START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
* START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac
* ARRIVAL: 6:30pm
* SPEECH: 6:35pm
* ROLLING: 6:45pm
* LEVEL: Advanced (A group)
* PACE: Above 16mph
* DISTANCE: 14.5 miles
* TERRAIN: Trail / Street
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486)
**NOTES:**
* To do this "A" version participation in a PREVIOUS Medium Level Thirsty Thursday ride is required.
* Same RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE (the addition of the Evil Twin is Approved).
* **Knowing the route is on you as there is no leader so having the route loaded on your bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required.**
* Only regroup is Fort Hunt (wait for Medium riders to fully arrive).
* Ultimately the Medium Sweeper will be along if there are any issues.
* All route, road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. **This is a ONE STRIKE statement.**
* Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food).
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride : Detail**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Very Thirsty Thursday.
This is the Advanced Version ("A" group) of our traditional Thirsty Thursday ride. Same route, just faster, and without a lead or sweep. To qualify for this "A" group you must have participated in the Medium Level Thirsty Thursday.
"A" group riders are expected to do the same route as the "B" group riders. You are welcome to do the Evil Twin hill as an added bonus. The only "stop" you need to make is at Fort Hunt. When at Fort Hunt you will wait for the "B" group to fully arrive.
As part of the "A" group you will be expected to know the route or have it loaded on your bicycle navigation computer or RidewithGPS phone app. At some point, the "B" group riders will be coming up behind you so if there is a problem someone from CBG can/will assist.
Most importantly: All route details, road riding safety rules, as well as CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed. Any evidence to the contrary will have repercussions. **This is a ONE STRIKE statement.**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Dr.
Alexandria , VA 22314
GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2)
Gather under the bridge by the restrooms.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride After The Ride:**
***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)***
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Southside 815
815 South Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.6222
[http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/)
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
* NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
Touch Rugby: New Players Welcome! (Gravelly Point)
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we want YOU to join us!
New players are always welcome to come out and play touch rugby with us - all you need is a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Also, bring a water bottle, a mouth guard, and cleats (if you have them - they're not necessary right away). Our experienced coaches will teach you everything you need to know!
Bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and most importantly, your love for the game. Let's make this practice a blast!
Pilots Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Saturday POLYGLOTS HourS [PLEASE READ 🙏]
It is irresistible to enjoy German, French, Korean, Amharic, Italian, Spanish, what not:) convo. The Event is open to all levels of these languages from novice to native fluency.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange.
All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange.
Rules to abide :
1\. Event is free and 21\+ \(bring ID\)\.
2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\.
3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\.
4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\.
5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\.
6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\.
7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\.
8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\.
9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\.
10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native
Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class.
***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
[)
[)
[)
[)
[)
[)
Rooftop Party - DC Creative Collective for Film, TV, Theater Enthusiast
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION, COMMUNITY & CREATIVITY
Following our Audience Award-winning 48 Hour Film Project, Phil is hosting the DC Creative Collective cast, crew, supporters, and friends to enjoy breathtaking Washington, DC skyline views.
⸻
**DIRECTIONS**
The entrance to the building is on Mass Ave (the building attached to the Hampton Inn). The front desk attendant will buzz you in. Tell them you're here to meet Phillip on the roof and they'll fob you up to the 14th floor. Walk in the direction of apt 1411 and enter the stairwell across from apt 1411. Take the staircase directly to rooftop.
**FOOD**
Beverages and light snacks available, but please bring additional food and drinks to share. This event is bring your own everything. A Safeway grocery and 2 liquor stores are within 2 blocks of the building.
**EVENT HIGHLIGHTS**
🎥 Exclusive Director’s Cut Screening
Experience the enhanced version of The Seasoning King.
🥂 Rooftop Networking Reception
Connect with fellow filmmakers, actors, writers, and creatives.
🏆 48 Hour Film Project Celebration
Recognizing the cast, crew, and supporters who made the project possible.
✍️ THE WRITER’S BOX
Have an idea for our next film?
Drop your:
• Story Concepts
• Character Ideas
• Loglines
• Themes
• Genres
• Creative Challenges
Selected ideas may inspire the next DC Creative Collective production.
Friday POLYGLOTS HourS [PLEASE READ 🙏]
It is irresistible to enjoy German, French, Korean, Amharic, Italian, Spanish, what not:) convo. The Event is open to all levels of these languages from novice to native fluency.
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange.
All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange.
Rules to abide :
1\. Event is free and 21\+ \(bring ID\)\.
2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\.
3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\.
4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\.
5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\.
6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\.
7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\.
8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\.
9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\.
10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\.
13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native
Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class.
***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
[)
[)
[)
[)
[)
[)
WORK DAY BUILD GARDEN PLOTS FOR FAMILIES
Thanks to a generous offer of land and fencing from the property owner, HOH is expanding both of its gardens that serve families in the community direcly. (In the photo, the original larger garden is back by the brown shed.) We’re excited to welcome 30+ new gardeners to grow with the 20 families and youth garden club that we’ve been with since 2021 and 2022.
### Help us finish the expansion:
* **Build and fill the last few galvanized steel beds and help new gardeners plant for the first time:** Saturday, June 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sign up [here.](https://us.list-manage.com/lCaC2qEtBIM?e=4a5e912d4e&c2id=abb0a13f3b6961c56bcda9d362340dd9)
* **Build a shed.** 2-3 volunteers needed. HOH can provide a fearless leader, written and video instructions, and food and beverages. [Email HOH](mailto:info@handsonharvests.org?subject=Shed%20building&body=) to volunteer; we’ll schedule a time that works for everyone.
* **Repair a few cedar raised beds.** HOH will provide the necessary materials as determined by the volunteer. [Email HOH](mailto:info@handsonharvests.org?subject=Raised%20bed%20repairs&body=) for more info and to volunteer.
😀 3rd Friday Spades in VA@Nando's in the Mosaic District-Posted in 10+ Groups
♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️
Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District
2987 District Ave Ste 100,
Fairfax, VA 22031
🌟 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia!
🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm
😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.**
🚗 Parking is FREE!!!
🍷 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 7pm! RSVP today.
Photograph Dyke Marsh Wildlife Reserve - Jun 20
The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River.
Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9)
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot; over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys.
Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight.
It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning.
Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards...
Park Facts:
Entrance Fee: Free
Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes
Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms
National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp
Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org)
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
Pilots Events Near You
Connect with your local Pilots community
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle.
**Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?**
In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox.
One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread.
Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for.
**Questions to wrestle with:**
* Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving?
* Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why?
* If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming?
* Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection?
* And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species?
* Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now?
As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
Port St. Lucie Online Speed Dating on Zoom
**🌷 Meet Port St. Lucie Singles Tonight — Zoom Speed Dating**
No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Port St. Lucie singles picked for you.
**What to expect:**
- Register and take a short personality quiz
- Jump on Zoom when the event starts
- Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds
- Get your mutual matches by email afterward
**Find your bracket and grab a seat:**
→ **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0)
> Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped.
Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 😊
Golden Lotus Yoga Meditation is Cancelled
This Meditation is cancelled!! All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'
Golden Lotus Meditation & Lecture - 'Topic to be announced!'
Join us for our Sunday Meditation Service - !' Or join us on Facebook Live! Our Facebook Page is Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness
Super Friday: SUPERGIRL at Cinemark Stoneridge!
Join us for an Opening Night showing of the super-hero action-adventure, SUPERGIRL! Get in early because this series is just getting started! Hot on the heels of last year’s excellent SUPERMAN comes what should be another fun adventure! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Ana Nogueira, and stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet and Jason Momoa.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1-pfiVMKAs
PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:40 and 6:50pm! It’s in their largest theater on their biggest screen but advance ticket purchase is advised for this Opening Night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Possible pre-show bite. That part will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Microsoft Build - Columbus Edition!
We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio!
The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us!
And yes, there will be free food.
Please RSVP via [Microsoft Build //localhost:columbus | Microsoft Reactor](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27247/).










![Saturday POLYGLOTS HourS [PLEASE READ 🙏]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/6/9/9/highres_533858553.webp?w=640)










