Stop Trump

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. \*\*\* **Topic: Are individuals at fault for the fact that the most widely used information sources often fail to provide the nuanced dichotomy required to express the truth? Did our desire for affirmation, entertainment, or oversimplified explanations create the misinformation age?** Modern technology ensures that misinformation can be generated and disseminated faster and at a lower cost than ever before. Algorithms and automated systems facilitate the rapid spread of content that reinforces existing worldviews, often outpacing information that challenges them. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it can provide an endless supply of misleading content that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from the truth. While technological advancements may offer potential solutions for verifying authenticity, the immense profits and political power gained from distorting or controlling reality often create significant incentives to prevent the implementation of such safeguards. Given these profound supply-side challenges, the demand and consumption of misinformation should be explored more. Understanding and then evolving the psychological motivations of consumers —such as the desire for affirmation, entertainment, or oversimplified explanations—may be the final line of defense in reclaiming an objective reality. **Questions to consider:** When is the last time you read something that made you think your opinion had been wrong? Is the misinformation age a demand side problem or is that victim blaming? Can we change ourselves instead of hoping to rein in the tech and news giants that have outgrown government regulations or borders? Did you learn something this week that shocked you/ made you change your mind? **Quotes to ponder:** “Truth will ultimately prevail where pains is taken to bring it to light.” George Washington “The masses have never thirsted after truth. They turn aside from evidence that is not to their taste, preferring to deify error, if error seduce them. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.” Gustave Le Bon **Sources to consider:** Please consider sharing your own source that challenged one of your opinions, whether an article, podcast, book or something else. If you’ve never read it, please consider reading Plato’s allegory of cave (chapter 7 of The Republic) https://web.sbu.edu/theology/bychkov/plato%20republic%207.pdf

### **[Disclaimer] To ensure a complete sign-up for this event, please make sure to RSVP on The Brickyard's original event sign-up page on their website [here](https://thebrickyard.us/events/the-brickyard-the-vfw-civic-virtue-series-5-14-26/).** The NoVA Forward Party's May 2026 Social Event will coincide with the Civic Virtue Event hosted by The Brickyard and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on Thursday, May 14th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at John Lyon VFW Post 3150 in Arlington. Forward Party members and guests will have an opportunity to socialize with each other as well as with Brickyard and VFW members, learn more about the Party and other opportunities to participate, all while enjoying wonderful food and drink! John Lyon VFW Post 3150 is located about 10 minutes away from the [Court House Metro Station](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Court+House,+2100,+Arlington,+VA+22201/John+Lyon+VFW+Post+3150,+2116+19th+St+N,+Arlington,+VA+22201/@38.89509,-77.0880054,15.49z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7b661fdd004c7:0xcbc922dc4420d6ca!2m2!1d-77.0850237!2d38.8911662!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7b67df004b1fb:0x90b5d5d0cf7b0023!2m2!1d-77.0849023!2d38.8954932!3e2!5m1!1e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on the Orange and Silver Lines. Attendees arriving via transportation other than the Metro are encouraged to utilize ridesharing services to avoid difficulties finding parking near the venue. Food and drink will be provided free of charge by VFW. We look forward to seeing you!

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“When Washington Burned,”** a detailed look at the devastating 1814 British attack on the Capitol, with Denver Brunsman, associate professor of history at George Washington University, lecturer at Mount Vernon, and scholar of the American revolution and early American republic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-when-washington-burned](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-when-washington-burned) .] You’ve probably toured several of Washington’s landmarks, but have you considered those that went up in smoke more than 200 years ago? Learn about one of our nation’s greatest scares from historian Denver Brunsman, a favorite of Profs and Pints audiences and expert on the War of 1812, which led to the infamous 1814 attack. He’ll tell the riveting tale of how British troops torched the Capitol and White House and burned down nearly all of Washington’s public buildings. He’ll frame his talk of such mayhem by discussing the origins and significance of the conflict that caused it, the War of 1812. In addition to helping to cement America’s independence, the War of 1812 helped give rise to a sense of nationalism among the people of Canada. It rallied boosters of the city of Washington—among them, First Lady Dolley Madison—to advocate for keeping it as the nation’s capital. With the war’s end, America was free to embark on two centuries of growth. You’ll leave with a much greater appreciation of how our nation has withstood tests in the past and how much of Washington D.C. has been built upon the ruins of previous losses. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration from the 1816 book *The History of England, from the Earliest Periods, Volume 1* by Paul M. Rapin de Thoyras.

Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run. This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome. Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group! **MEETING SPOT:** We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Ballston Local on N Glebe in front off the restaurant. See the pin below. Parking at the mall is only $1.00 after 6:00 PM. Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM and eventually end up back where we started. **ROUTE INFO:** Here's our regular Thursday route, from the Bluemont Junction Trail to the W&OD Trail to the Custis Trail (about 4 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/) When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route so you can load it later from the MapMyRun app on your phone. **POST-RUN:** After the run, we'll grab a drink nearby for those who are interested in sticking around. **WEATHER:** We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely. **RSVP:** If you are interested in joining, please join the group and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.

Founder Institute and AI Collective is hosting a wonderful workshop to build automation tools. Come with your laptop to build and break and learn! This event is all about bringing builders and curious minds together for a hands-on night of automation with Make.com.​Build real workflows, explore what's possible, and learn how automation + AI are reshaping the way we work through live demos, guided building, and practical conversations. **❯❯ REGISTER @ [https://luma.com/make-dc-05-12](https://luma.com/make-dc-05-12)** Whether you’re a founder, operator, freelancer, or just love optimizing systems, this night is about experimenting, connecting, and building things that run on their own. **❯** ​About Make.com ​Make is one of the world’s leading visual automation platforms, used by 350,000+ teams to connect apps, streamline workflows, and integrate AI into everyday processes. From no-code automations to advanced orchestration, Make helps you move faster and build smarter systems. **❯ ​Agenda** ​5:45 PM: Doors open + Networking 6:00 PM: Welcome 6:15 PM: Intro to [Make.com](https://make.com/?utm_source=luma) + Live Demo 6:45 PM: Hands-on Workshop 7:30 PM: Show & Tell 8:00 PM: Close + Social mingling

The pickleball courts are situated on the far side of the playground, past the swing sets and picnic area. These courts (are] strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do not offer reservation for public use. The courts are frequently unoccupied, but sometimes few people utilize the courts. We've created a WhatsApp group for our Meetup community to help everyone stay connected and get event updates more quickly. It’s a great way to share important info, coordinate plans, and keep each other in the loop about upcoming meetups. Feel free to join so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bw0vxcNKRC1CeHixU41wTG

We’re bringing together a small group of fitness instructors and aspiring instructors for a casual brunch to connect and build within the fitness community. Sunday, May 17 1:30 PM Ted’s Bulletin – Capitol Hill Limited to 6 seats. **RSVP to save your seat:** www.instructorconnect.org **Join the mailing list on the site for future events.** (RSVP does not subscribe you.)

An open space for real conversation about how technology is shaping our world, and how we can respond with wisdom, purpose, and values. ## COMING UP: ## Life with Augmented Intelligence **Shaping how we live, work, and build in an AI-driven world** From assistants → to collaboration → to autonomous systems *** **A different way of thinking, working, building.** Most people are still using AI at the surface. Answers. Shortcuts. Quick help. But underneath, work is starting to look different: * systems instead of tasks * collaboration instead of commands * design instead of effort This is a space to step into that. Not a workshop. Not a panel. A place to see what’s emerging, hear how others are thinking, and explore what it means for your own life and work. *** ## Tech & Truth Café 📍 Greencourt Innovation Center 🗓️ May 10 & 17 🕐 1:30 – 5:00 PM 1:30 → arrive and connect 2:00 → ideas and conversation 3:00 → demos and exploration 4:30 → wrap up *** **WHO:** If you’ve been experimenting with something interesting, building something, or thinking differently about AI… reach out. We’d love to include you in the conversation. *** **Bring a laptop.** *** For people who feel like: “there’s more to this than what I’m currently doing with AI.” **Come be part of it.** **WHO** **For people who feel like:** "There's more to this than what I'm currently doing with AI." Come be part of it. **WHAT TO EXPECT**

Join us for an afternoon of chess in a fun and relaxed setting. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Club boards are provided. Bring your own clocks or use Chess.com's Chess Clock app. We generally meet in the blue room, which is to your right after entering. If we're not in the blue room we're at the far left near the beer tanks in the back corner.

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! **[Support BTWD by signing up here.](https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/pit-stop-locations/pit-stops/alexandria-del-ray/)** Then come to the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Aves. between **6:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15** to get your free 2026 tee shirt and other free stuff from our partners: * *Transportation Federal Credit Union* * *Bagel Uprising* * *South Block* * *MOM's Organic Market* * *Virginia American Water* * *Alexandria Families for Safe Streets* * *Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.* **Sign up to show your support!**

April showers bring May flowers! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! 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 and Scientology life improvement center.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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).

**You're invited to join local Columbus animal advocates as we watch PETA's workshop together on cage-free campaigns. Free vegan pizza will be provided! After the workshop Q&A, we'll have a group discussion and brainstorm on future activism plans. Hope to see you there!** **Here are the details:** **WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6pm EST** **WHERE: KTC Columbus** **If you cannot attend in person, you can still view the workshop virtually at https://www.facebook.com/events/1567122777711333** **Here's some background on the workshop:** **Please join us for an eye-opening online PETA Playbook discussion with PETA’s Associate Director of Vegan Campaigns, Amber Canavan, where we’ll ask the hard-hitting questions about the cage-free campaigns and their impact on both hens and vegan efforts.** **Whether you’re looking to strengthen your outreach or sharpen your messaging around the egg industry’s humane-washing tactics, this workshop will give you practical tools to help others understand what “cage-free” really means for hens and why the label is misleading.** **We’ll explore how to keep conversations respectful, fact-based, and focused on the animals’ reality while encouraging others to take effective action.** **Please join us for this important workshop to learn how you can cut through cage-free marketing and help animals.** **Come ready to learn, ask questions, and ignite your activism for animals!**

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!