Poland

Come join us for bingo at Atlas Brew Works in Alexandria. It's free to play. Win prizes on every round, and the winner of the final round gets a $50 Atlas Brew Works gift card for your next visit! More information: https://atlasbrewworks.com/pages/events#calendar-c3cfc1a3-4344-434e-a1b2-fb876f819883 Parking: Wegmans has a parking garage (via the Stovall St entrance) and is next to Atlas Metro: Eisenhower Ave (yellow line)

Un'ottima occasione per parlare in Italiano con persone di madre lingua. Aperto a tutti i livelli di conoscenza dell'Italiano. Specialmente gustando una buonissima pinza. A presto. Please consider donating to us via the Pledge widget on this page to help us defray the costs of running a Meetup group. **Note: This event occurs on the first Wednesday of every month at Via Roma**

**“Why is there something rather than nothing?” is a question that lies at the heart of philosophy. In Western philosophy, it’s historically been a common idea that the world can be traced back to a single, fundamental cause. In recent times, however, this has been challenged. Perhaps there is no original cause or explanation for the world, and the question itself is mistaken. Even so, the attempt to show where the mistake lies requires an examination of the notions of existence, causality, and explanation.** **Some of the questions raised are: does the universe require a timeless, non-natural cause? What does it mean for something to be a cause or explanation for something else? Can anything be a cause or explanation for itself? Can there be fundamental objects with nothing deeper explaining them?** **Metaphysics of Causality and Explanation:** **A well-known concept in philosophy is the principle of sufficient reason (PSR). In one form, it states that everything must have a reason, cause, or ground.** **One justification for this principle is that it seems to be crucial to rational inquiry. When facts about the world are discovered, we often don’t take them for granted with no reason or explanation for their existence. When it rains, for example, the cause of the rain is the buildup of water in clouds exceeding a threshold, and then the water is released and pulled down by gravity. The buildup of water is the result of condensation of water which was previously evaporated by the sun or other heat sources. Those heat sources in turn are explained by other prior causes and so on.** **That raises the question of whether a chain of causes can be infinite. There are arguments for and against the possibility. One argument against an infinite series of past temporal causes is that if there were such a series, it would not be possible to reach the present. This seems to require an infinite number of events to pass, which is a contradiction, as an infinite series of events can’t be traversed.** **There have also been attempts to show that while infinite causal chains may be possible, the chains made up of objects which are contingent, as in they can either exist or not exist, still require an external cause.** **As straightforward as the PSR may seem, complications arise for at least some formulations of it. When combined with an account of causation in which effects must follow from their causes, it seems like the PSR requires that nothing is contingent. In other words, everything is necessary, and every event and object inevitably exists.** **However, even if some forms of the PSR have their difficulties, there may be more refined versions which hold true. Often, these refined principles are used to conclude that there is a first cause or ultimate explanation for the rest of reality.** **Candidates for the First Cause/Ultimate Explanation:** **One candidate for a first cause is an initial natural state. There have been models of such a state which are necessary or contingent, and ones which have a finite past or infinite one. Either way, the appeal of this kind of first cause is that it fits with a principle known as the causal closure of the physical. Since all observed causes and effects don’t defy the laws of nature, it may be presumed that all of causal reality is composed of natural objects. This satisfies metaphysical naturalists, but at the present state, it is problematic for a number of reasons.** **One reason a contingent first cause is problematic is the principle that “something can’t come from nothing”. If the universe, especially if it has a finite past, did not come from any prior cause, then that is a defiance of this principle. If we accept that this principle is false, then we seem to be lacking in an explanation for the observation that things don’t constantly start existing for no reason. If the universe can “pop” into existence, why not anything else?** **One modern philosopher, Graham Oppy, has suggested instead that the natural initial state is necessary. To explain the existence of the world, he claims that objective non-deterministic effects followed from that initial state. A universe with a finite past would be explained by that initial state, and so would the universe of contingent objects.** **Two candidates other than conventional naturalism for ultimate explanations of the world are theism and axiarchism.** **Theism in the West is typically construed as the assertion that an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent God exists. Theologians and philosophers also describe him as necessary, and there are many arguments which attempt to demonstrate his existence.** **Cosmological arguments are a class of arguments which start from facts about the universe to conclude the existence of God. Arguments from contingency are an example. In general, they take the existence of the contingent universe, and proceed to show that they must be caused by a being with the previously described omni-properties. Another is the Kalam cosmological argument, which asserts the finiteness of the universe’s past, and attempts to reach the conclusion of God’s existence.** **In modern day philosophy, a new argument is the appearance of fine-tuning. Based on our current understanding of physics, it is unlikely that physical constants which allow for life would result from chance, as might be expected from non-theistic worldviews. Therefore, a cosmic designer who chose those constants is proposed, and the tri-omni God is thought to be a plausible candidate for such a designer.** **The most well-known non-theistic alternative to this is a multiverse, but that faces powerful objections as well, such as lacking in simplicity and leading to results such as Boltzmann brains.** **However, a major issue with theism is the problem of evil. Many interpretations of God’s omni-properties would conclude that there are aspects of the world which make God’s existence highly unlikely. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes are evidence that any being who did not prevent the deaths of innocents involved either was not able to prevent them, which rules out omnipotence, or not willing to prevent them, which rules out omnibenevolence. Disease, as well as human actions such as murder and sexual assault, also count as evidence against such a being.** **Axiarchism is a worldview which may account for the problem of evil better than theism. In summary, it is the view that values determine reality. This may be a non-causal relationship, but still one in which aspects of the world, such as life-permitting physical laws, are explained. It may not just be moral values which determine reality, but aesthetic or more general values.** **One description of the values is that they are abstract objects, existing outside of space and time, and having no causal relationships. They are also necessary. This is a form of platonism, and the connection between value and existence has a long history. In many cases, this was used in forms of theism, such as Thomas Aquinas who declared that God is Being. Other theologians have also claimed that existence itself is good, and that evil can only exist as absences or privations of goodness.** **The appeal of values as an explanation, whether included in a form of theism or not, is that these values would not only exist, but they are normative. They don’t just describe reality, they place aims for reality to head toward. For those who find the existence of objective value plausible, axiarchism is a powerful possibility.** **Questions:** **1. Which, if any, of the candidates for a first cause or ultimate explanation is the most likely?** **2. What alternatives could there be for such a cause or explanation?** **3. Could we ever have enough evidence to single out one candidate and eliminate the others? What would constitute such evidence?** **4. Is it likely for there to be any such cause or explanation?** We meet in person and online. In person will be at the cafeteria of the applied physics lab. Snack and drinks are available for online purchase. Pizza will be provided as well at a price of $2/slice. Online will be: https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**The rules are simple:** Take photographs **Each and Every Day** and post your best **ONE** (1) shot of the day - **EACH DAY** for **April**. If you happen to miss a day or two (life happens), it is **OK** to catch up and upload the photos for the days missed or just skip those days. **Please don't post over 2 to 3 at a time**. This is part of the learning process. **DO NOT POST TO THE ALBUM *UNTIL* AFTER 04/01/2026**. Please use a browser like Chrome and the Meetup.com website to post the images, as **the Meetup app does not handle albums very well**. Towards the top-left of the page is a link to **Add Photos** for uploading your photo to the album. **CONFIRM** **that your photo was Added to the correct Album.** Remember to post your **best photo (JUST ONE)** you took every day on that day! **DO NOT POST PHOTOS FROM ANY OTHER TIME!** If you have time to post an older image, you can take a new image and post it. Be creative. Please **add a caption** to know how far you are in the process. After you upload the image you took that day, find your photo at the end of the album, and edit the caption to state the day and total of days in the month like this:**?/30**. You can add the title of the image if you wish. A good title can make a photo! So, your photo for the **April 1st** caption would be "**1/30: My great photo!**" \*\* Adding a caption helps you keep track of where you are in the month. It does help. The purpose is to have fun and get in the habit of shooting every day. Learn to use your camera. Read your manual and test out a new feature you have never used before. Sometimes picking a theme/project can help focus (pun intended), like flowers, your pet(s), a lens you haven't used in a while, or whatever your passion is. Or try something new... The **end date is 04/30/2026**. Meetup.com does not allow events to be longer than 2 weeks. Other images that were not taken by you will be removed. Please keep the images family-friendly. You need to be a member of the Virginia Beltway Photography Group. I look forward to seeing how far people go and grow as better photographers!

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). **7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching** **8:30-10 pm: open request dancing** Admission: $10 We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to [dancingplanet@erols.com](mailto:dancingplanet@erols.com). Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you). See the website for more information and for Zoom link: [dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance](http://dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance)

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***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. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. 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 Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GNKKoBtgiU73RYeypZoN6y)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

***Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Wyandotte Winery!*** Discover where local wines are crafted, and gain insights into the making of small-batch wines. Learn about the interesting history of Wyandotte Winery and the unique aspects that make it a local gem. **Highlights:** • Guided tour of the wine cellar and details on our wine-making process • Historical overview of Wyandotte Winery - and updates on What's New at the winery! • Opportunity to taste our current wine selection • Ask questions and interact with the Wyandotte team **Start Times**: 1:00 PM, other times by request. **Cost:** $10 (includes 1 glass of wine). Pay at the door **Parking:** usually best to park one block down the road in the church parking lot. 2 minute walk. **Note:** Touring the cellar requires taking one flight of stairs. After your tour, feel free to join us for a Fired Up Pizza or winery small plate! Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious, this tour will enhance your appreciation for wine and small-batch winemaking. Cheers!!![🍷]()

This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

A fun way to compare wines from two different countries at a time. House Wine is squaring off two countries' wines against each other each Thursday in March. March 12, March 19, March 26, and the Finals April 2nd. Meet and Greet format....show up after 7pm, pay your $15 at the cash register, get your wine glass, and enjoy. I will get a table reserved for the group. Remember, you may bring in your own food or takeout. Attendance is your agreement to the Group's Waiver of Liability terms. See our Group homepage for details. Parking is tough at House Wine; there is a municipal lot one-half block north of the shop and sometimes parking at the lot behind Jet Pizza, accessed by the lane between the east House Wine parking lot and the residence to the east.