True Crime

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Digital Device Detox,”** a guide to breaking free from the addictive and destructive powers of social media and apps, with Jillian Tucker, licensed clinical social worker in private practice, adjunct professor of clinical social work at Columbia University and New York University, and therapist with nearly 15 years of experience in addiction treatment and behavioral change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-digital-detox]( https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-digital-detox) .] Many of us have had the same experience: We’re trying to get things done and stay focused on the positive in our lives, but we can’t stop looking at a cell phone that tells us that we live in troubled times, that everyone else is better looking and having more fun, and that escape awaits in the worlds of Candy Crush or Pokémon Go. Maybe it’s time to find effective ways to loosen the grip of that cell phone and rediscover the happiness that comes with using digital devices less. Join Jillian Tucker, who previously has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks related to mental health, for a crash course on how to restore balance in your relationship with digital devices to ensure they’re simply tools you use rather than instruments through which other people use you. She’ll start by discussing social and mental-health trends connected to the use of digital devices. We’ll delve into the specific ways that their overuse can be biologically and psychologically harmful and leads to division, depression, anxiety and anguish on an individual and societal level. Professor Tucker also will look at why digital habits are hard to break, citing neuroscience and what we know about behavioral addiction. You’ll learn the many ways in which devices and apps are deliberately designed to be hard to stop using. You won’t be urged to just chuck your cell phone, though. After all, such devices can keep you socially connected, be sources of joy and learning, and even save your life if you need to summon help in an emergency. Instead, we’ll look at effective strategies for reducing digital device use, considering approaches that treat the overuse of such devices as “addiction” but moving beyond them to consider more nuanced ones as well. We’ll explore how to find our core motivation to change and how to carry out a change plan. We’ll consider how those who failed in past attempts to reduce digital-device use can overcome impasses in their effort to change their behavior. We’ll discuss ways to minimize the feelings of inconvenience and withdrawal that might come with reducing digital-device use, and we’ll discuss strategies for regaining the social skills and reviving the in-person strategies that our device use had compromised. You’ll learn how the same conditioning and power of habit that got us using our devices so much more also can be harnessed to help us use them much less. You’ll learn how to curate and enhance the positive aspects of digital devices, to help maintain them as a source of connection, joy, humor and learning and keep them from causing you unhappiness or stress. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Japanexperterna (Creative Commons).

The Russian Novelist's semiautobiographical novel set in a Soviet cancer ward shortly after Stalin's death One of the great allegorical masterpieces of world literature, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Cancer Ward is both a deeply compassionate study of people facing terminal illness and a brilliant dissection of the cancerous Soviet police state. Cancer Ward, which has been compared to the masterpiece of another Nobel Prize winner, The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, examines the relationship of a group of people in the cancer ward of a provincial Soviet hospital in 1955, two years after Stalin's death. While the experiences of the central character, Oleg Kostoglotov, closely reflect the author's own―Solzhenitsyn became a patient in a cancer ward in the mid-1950s, on his release from a labor camp, and later recovered―the patients, as a group, represent a remarkable cross section of contemporary Russian characters and attitudes, both under normal circumstances and then reexamined at the eleventh hour of illness. A seminal work from one of the most powerful voices in twentieth century literature, Cancer Ward offers an extraordinary portrait of life in the Soviet Union.

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put a hold on this page-turner NOW if you get your books from a public library. This is another work of historical fiction for us. In it, Lawhon "creates a stirring portrait of a real-life heroine." You can read the entire Kirkus Review [here](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ariel-lawhon/the-frozen-river/). We will meet in the common area of a condominium association called The Gallery at White Flint: 11710 Old Georgetown Rd. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's home. The concierge will not likely be of much help, so if you are running late, please let the organizer know. There is metered parking across the street. There is ample parking at the Randolph Shopping Center, nearby: 12255 Nebel Street, Rockville.

Hi All, This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct all questions to the Organizer and Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** 🎲♠️♟️ **Monday Game Nights & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 6pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 6pm to 9pm www.1942loungedc.com 🏈 Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too! 🏈

MDC DSA’s New Magazine Essays Discussion Club meets in person to discuss new essays from some of the Left’s most thought-provoking magazines. All are welcome to join the club’s meeting to discuss three essays from recent issues of *[Long-Haul](https://longhaulmag.com/archive/)*. For more details and links to the readings, check out the group’s [group's info doc](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hgx8ZJgQSPUvtbnKRDt5OXZWPij3jVEuLAY-5usdv5o/edit?usp=sharing). Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/new-magazine-essays-discussion-club-14) to receive further updates on this event. \* \* \* This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

Title: Frontrunners, the Mid-Atlantic's AI conference! You're invited to the Frontrunners AI conference, March 27th, in Arlington, VA at GMU's Van Metre Hall. Frontrunners will be a single day tech conference this year featuring AI and data topics. You can read all about Frontrunners here: [Frontrunners](https://frontrunners.tech/) If you want to speak at Frontrunners, submit your talk here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedNNa4N64vgfsvAtGcBngKJrtd3h1_x0T019GTW-rSwCj0jQ/viewform This is a paid event, so you will have to register at the Frontrunners AI site or at the direct registration link is as follows (but please also RSVP on this meetup to help us reach others): https://frontrunners.ticketspice.com/frontrunners-2026 Thanks. We hope to see you there.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Understanding the Sports Betting Industry,”** an exploration of how legalized gambling on sports is affecting March Madness and athletics as a whole, with Matt Winkler, founder of American University’s online master’s program in sports analytics and management, adjunct professor at AU’s Kogod School of Business, former sports executive, and scholar and teacher of sports management, business, analytics, and technology. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-sports-betting](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-sports-betting) .] Sports betting has undergone explosive growth in the United States in the wake of a 2018 Supreme Court decision lifting the federal ban on it. Its widespread legalization by the states, combined with increased integration of sports and technology, has given rise to an industry with billions in annual revenue. This growth is not only reshaping the landscape for major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA but is also profoundly impacting global events such as the NCAA Tournament and FIFA World Cup. As more fans engage with sports through betting platforms, the dynamics of fan engagement, sports marketing, and even match and game governance are changing. Serious questions are being raised about sports betting’s integrity, regulation, and economic impact. Gain insights into the rapidly evolving global sports betting industry and its profound impact on March Madness, other athletic contests, and professional and collegiate sports. Professor Matt Winkler’s extensive knowledge of the sports economy and betting practices, combined with his years of industry experience—with the NCAA, Major League Soccer, the NHL, WNBA, the Olympics, and the World Cup—make coming to hear him speak an experience sure to pay off. He’ll share insight into trends such as the rise of mobile betting and the emergence of prediction markets. He’ll discuss the significance of sports integrity in gaming markets, the ethical considerations surrounding sports betting, and the various safeguards and regulatory approaches used to protect consumers, reduce problem gambling, and ensure the integrity of sports. Among the areas we’ll explore: The economic impact of legalized sports betting and how it affects local economies, advertising, and media rights. Why major leagues and the NCAA are partnering with betting companies and what they stand to gain from it. How betting is influencing the governance and commercial strategies of major international competitions such the Olympics and FIFA’s World Cup. Using March Madness as a case study, Professor Winkler will discuss how sports betting has altered the tournament’s viewership patterns, bracket culture, and revenue. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Digital Device Detox,”** a guide to breaking free from the addictive and destructive powers of social media and apps, with Jillian Tucker, licensed clinical social worker in private practice, adjunct professor of clinical social work at Columbia University and New York University, and therapist with nearly 15 years of experience in addiction treatment and behavioral change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox) .] Many of us have had the same experience: We’re trying to get things done and stay focused on the positive in our lives, but we can’t stop looking at a cell phone that tells us that we live in troubled times, that everyone else is better looking and having more fun, and that escape awaits in the worlds of Candy Crush or Pokémon Go. Maybe it’s time to find effective ways to loosen the grip of that cell phone and rediscover the happiness that comes with using digital devices less. Join Jillian Tucker, who previously has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks related to mental health, for a crash course on how to restore balance in your relationship with digital devices to ensure they’re simply tools you use rather than instruments through which other people use you. She’ll start by discussing social and mental-health trends connected to the use of digital devices. We’ll delve into the specific ways that their overuse can be biologically and psychologically harmful and leads to division, depression, anxiety and anguish on an individual and societal level. Professor Tucker also will look at why digital habits are hard to break, citing neuroscience and what we know about behavioral addiction. You’ll learn the many ways in which devices and apps are deliberately designed to be hard to stop using. You won’t be urged to just chuck your cell phone, though. After all, such devices can keep you socially connected, be sources of joy and learning, and even save your life if you need to summon help in an emergency. Instead, we’ll look at effective strategies for reducing digital device use, considering approaches that treat the overuse of such devices as “addiction” but moving beyond them to consider more nuanced ones as well. We’ll explore how to find our core motivation to change and how to carry out a change plan. We’ll consider how those who failed in past attempts to reduce digital-device use can overcome impasses in their effort to change their behavior. We’ll discuss ways to minimize the feelings of inconvenience and withdrawal that might come with reducing digital-device use, and we’ll discuss strategies for regaining the social skills and reviving the in-person strategies that our device use had compromised. You’ll learn how the same conditioning and power of habit that got us using our devices so much more also can be harnessed to help us use them much less. You’ll learn how to curate and enhance the positive aspects of digital devices, to help maintain them as a source of connection, joy, humor and learning and keep them from causing you unhappiness or stress. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Japanexperterna (Creative Commons).

See the arts of Asia's most ancient civilization for free on Saturday, March 28th, from noon to 1 PM at the Asian Art Museum! The Asian Art Museum is located at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC. We'll meet at the West Building Information Desk. Please be on time. The tour starts promptly at noon. HOW TO GET THERE The Asian Art Museum is steps away from the Smithsonian Metro Stop (located on the Orange/Blue/Silver Lines). Use the 12th St. at Jefferson Dr. SW (the Mall) exit, then cross the street southbound to enter the West Building (Freer Gallery of Art). Then proceed to the Information Desk. HOW TO FIND US I am a white woman with long wavy brown hair. I will be wearing red glasses and carrying a blue backpack and a walking stick. If you have trouble finding us, please call or text me at 202-802-3238. DINING The Moongate Cafe is open daily from 10 am - 4 pm in the East Building (Arthur Sackler Gallery) of the Asian Art Museum. HEALTH & SAFETY I will take a COVID/flu test. If I test positive or am sick, I will stay home and isolate. If I am well and test negative, I'll be there! I will post the Metro Service adjustments the week before the event. See you soon, Jenny

Slashers are always in season, so this March, we're reading The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi. From Amazon: "Rose DuBois is not your average final girl. Rose is in her late 70s, living out her golden years at the Autumn Springs Retirement Home. When one of her friends dies alone in her apartment, Rose isn’t too concerned. Accidents happen, especially at this age! Then another resident drops dead. And another. With bodies stacking up, Rose can’t help but wonder: are these accidents? Old age? Or something far more sinister? Together with her best friend Miller, Rose begins to investigate. The further she digs, the more convinced she becomes: there’s a killer on the loose at Autumn Springs, and if she isn’t careful, Rose may be their next victim." Note: This location isn't wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if that's an issue - we want everyone to join us.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday event to see the off-the-rails, over-the-top, action-comedy-horror THEY WILL KILL YOU! Zazie Beetz as a woman who answers a help wanted ad to be a housekeeper in a mysterious New York City high-rise not knowing its mysterious past! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building's history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery. The film is directed by Kirill Sokolov and Zadie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. The film is being released immediately following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival earlier this month. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYqQPiXpi4w BUZZ: Early reviews say it’s “an adrenaline rush of action-packed fights, tons of blood and gore and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments” and a movie that’s “unafraid to march to its own campy, violent, and clever little drummer!” But a quick word of warning -- according to reviewers, "it's gory, excessive, hyper-stylized, and ultra-violent" sigh 'show-stopping fight choreography and an abundance of epic gore" but on the plus side, "It has been a while since we’ve had a movie as weird and fun as this one. PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:45pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 7:25 and 7:35pm! Tickets on sale now and just $5.00 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased via the GFC website). Close, convenient parking available in the nearby garage (Between 9th and 11th, just off High) and just $2 when you have your ticket validated at the theater! NOTE ON TOW: Unfortunately, TOW looks to be a one-week only Gateway exclusive so the word I’m receiving is it won’t be around any longer on the date of our event, so this event will likely be to see THEY WILL KILL YOU! Temporarily downgrading the TOW portion to a “Possible Alternate Title.” Once I confirm on Tuesday evening, I’ll update the event and (most likely) remove the TOW portion then. Should be a wild one, Dan

How to Be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

OpenClaw, NemoClaw, personal assistants, 24/7 agents. What does it all mean? How does it all work and what should we know about it? Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Complex Trauma Support Group** Our group is intended for survivors of complex trauma. If you are here, it’s likely that so much of who you are and what you have experienced in this life is actually invisible to most people––to family, society, coworkers, and the people who are around you. We are a peer-led group of survivors creating opportunities for ourselves and others to share our experiences, share support, and build relationships in kind community together. Survivor experiences might include: child sexual abuse, incest, child trafficking, and other experiences of people living with traumatic dissociation and complex PTSD. **What to expect at your first meeting:** Currently, we are offering a bi-monthly in person group at 2:00pm on the first and third Sunday of the month. The only criterion for joining the group is that you are a survivor of trauma wishing to have more kindness in your own life and share kindness with others, and that you agree to practice to group’s relational agreements available for view here: https://www.kindgroups.com/agreements. Joining the group is free of charge. We ask that new people connect with us for 30 minutes on the phone or on zoom before coming to their first group, so that we can determine together that we are a good fit. Our meetings last approximately 90 minutes. Participants are never required to share. You’re also welcome to choose a pseudonym and you will never be asked for private information. You are welcome to leave at any time. The kindness that survivors can share when among others who have survived similar childhood experiences is something we rarely get to experience. Time spent with others who understand even a little bit more about us is a relief. Our hope is to help ourselves and others experience that we are not alone. We wish for our efforts to be a cause of kindness in our own lives and the lives of each other. You can read more about the groups at www.kindgroups.com.