U.S. Politics

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

Join the group for *1776* at Ford's Theatre on Saturday, April 18 at 1PM! I’ve sold my ticket block. TodayTix does not have any more pairs of seats available, but Right Orchestra N16 is behind our block in M 16 - 20. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a ticket directly from Ford's Theatre ([https://my.fords.org/12242/12404](https://my.fords.org/12242/12404)). This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. As members of the Second Continental Congress struggle to reach consensus, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson argue for independence from the British monarchy. The ensuing debates defined our country. As we explore this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today, this robust, award-winning musical boldly brings our country’s beginnings to blazing life.

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.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

**\*\* NOTE--We are meeting 1 hour earlier than usual because of room availability. We will start at noon instead of 1 pm. \*\*** **Life** Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu, was born in 1689 near Bordeaux, France to a noble and wealthy family. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Bordeaux. Through marriage and inheritance of a position in the Parlement of Bordeaux, he was financially secure before 30 and had time to read and write, in addition to his duties at Parlement. His first successful book was *Persian Letters*, an epistolary novel published anonymously in 1721 that satirizes French society from the point of view of two wealthy Persians. He then sought to turn his literary success into social success at court, salons, and the French Academy. In 1728, he took the grand tour; over the course of several years, he visited Vienna, Hungary, Venice, Florence, Rome, and England, where he became a fellow of the Royal Society. His next major work, published in 1734, was *Considerations on the Causes of Romans’ Greatness and Decline*. In 1748, he published his most famous work, one that he claims took him twenty years and that was to greatly influence the American Founders: the *Spirit of the Laws*. He died in 1755. **Themes** The influence of the *Spirit of the Laws* on the Founding generation that crafted the U.S. Constitution has secured for Montesquieu enduring relevance for those who want to understand the Founding Era and the Constitution. In this sprawling work, Montesquieu divides the types of government into republics, monarchies, and despotisms, each of which has its animating principle (virtue, honor, and fear). This contrasts with Aristotle’s categorization of polity, aristocracy, and monarchy, each of which has a corrupted form, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, respectively. Montesquieu argued that liberty can be best protected by the separation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which finds expression in the three branches of the U.S. government. Among many other notable ideas in this work, he argued that laws should be crafted to accord with a people’s religion, climate, habits, wealth, and other social and economic factors. Against earlier natural law theorists, such as Grotius and Pufendorf, he argued that war did not justify slavery. In the prior century, Pascal had made a name for himself in taking on the Jesuits in his *Provincial Letters*. Several decades later in *Persian Letters*, Montesquieu used a similar rhetorical setup to satirize Parisan and French life, including religion, social practices, and the monarchy of Louis XIV from the perspective of two Persian travelers, Uzbek and Rica. The Letters show Montesquieu’s willingness to at least somewhat relativize European practices, if only to make points consistent with his own social and political class. In the *Considerations*, Montesquieu takes up a theme that would later make Edward Gibbon famous. One of his arguments in this work is that the maxims that made Rome an empire out of a republic were inadequate to keep the empire. He also argued that chance doesn’t rule events; there are underlying causes that can be discovered. **Reading** Our reading for this month is *[Montesquieu: Selected Political Writings](https://www.amazon.com/Montesquieu-Selected-Political-Writings-Classics/dp/0872200906/)*, about 242 pages. The book includes short selections from the *Letters* (the stories of the Troglodytes and Uzbek’s management of his seraglio) and *Considerations* and substantial selections from the *Spirit of the Laws* touching on principles of the three governments, political liberty, the relationship between laws and climate, slavery, and other topics. Please also read the introduction. **Optional** * [Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/) in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy * [Montesquieu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Montesquieu), Britannica * [Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/montesquieu-and-the-separation-of-powers), the Online Library of Liberty

Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks. We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion. ### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert** We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches: * **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing. * **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts. **Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub **Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready! **Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.** ### **Action Required: Selection Form** Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others. ### **Membership Updates** We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure: * **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service. * **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.

Let's play monopoly in the open area called "The Landing" at the Crystal City Shops. The Landing is right at the Crystal City metro stop and, if you're driving, there is free parking [on weekdays after 4pm and weekends] in the garage. See below for more details. With many tables for games and nearby eateries in the mall, it is a fantastic location for playing board games. We'll be starting at 3:00 pm, but feel free to wander in whenever you'd like.Please RSVP to play. If you'd like to start earlier, feel free to mention that in the comment section. If everyone is already in the middle of games when you arrive, please don't hesitate to pull up a chair and watch a game in progress. We will play a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people at each table. This is a friendly group of competitive and non competitive players and our different backgrounds and different experiences of Monopoly make for interesting conversation during the games. If you're taking the metro, exit at Crystal City and you can walk to The Landing without having to go outside. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn right to enter the underground shops and then turn right at Rite Aide. Continue straight and The Landing will be the large open seating area on your right, next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If you're driving, parking is free in the garage. Enter the garage for 1750 Crystal Drive on 18th Street and take a ticket. (You'll need this to exit, but there's no charge). Take the elevators up to Level S. The Landing is the large open seating area next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If that parking garage is full, exit the garage and turn left on 18th and left again on Crystal Drive. A second parking garage is located on Crystal Drive between 18th Street and 15th Street. This is a link to a map of the Crystal City Shops: http://www.thecrystalcityshops.com/ The Landing is in the yellow section on the map near the San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration is required at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. ​ **Drop-in games every Sunday afternoon at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.** * **Lessons (11:00 - 1:00) for new and returning players begin promptly at 11:00.** The fee is $10. * **A Support Table (1:00 - 3:00) is available for those who have taken a lesson and want to play with an instructor overseeing the game.** The fee is $5. * **Drop-in play (1:00 - 3:00) for** all experienced players. Tables are labeled for All Levels and Mahj Mavens. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Play is free, but a donation of $5 is encouraged to help defray event costs. ​ If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring it. Please bring your NMJL card if you have one. ​The museum is located one block from the Judiciary Square Metro station (Red line). Street parking is available, and a paid garage is located at 3rd and G Streets. You do not need to be a member of the museum to participate. On entry to the building, you will be directed to the Nosh Pit, where you can also purchase a snack and coffee while waiting for the games to begin. *Photographs taken by Museum staff during the program may be used for educational and promotional purposes in print and online publications. Attendance at the event implies your consent.*

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 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/)

**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0) Join us on your own or with friends to enjoy a delightful swing dance soiree in the heart of historic Georgetown, where timeless elegance meets the joy of dancing and live music. Celebrate the arrival of springtime in the warm company of International Club of DC members as you enjoy a night of lively swing dance music performed by the Craig Gildner Trio that will keep you dancing all night. No partner or dance experience is needed. Come on your own or with friends. We’ll show you the basics so you can join the fun even if you’ve never danced before. Many guests attend by themselves, making this a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and connect with other International Club of DC members while enjoying a lively and welcoming evening. **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0) Our live band will set the mood with swinging rhythms and timeless tunes, creating the perfect atmosphere to dance, socialize, and celebrate the glamour of a bygone era. Vintage-inspired or cocktail attire is encouraged so you can fully embrace the spirit of the evening. Wine, cocktails, and other drinks will be available for purchase throughout the night. When you arrive, please find us in the upstairs ballroom of Pinstripes. **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=0CC0639C-08B9-4D62-9C88-6070248DCAF0)

Hello Social Sips and Bits group! We’re excited to take our next meetup to The Perch at Capital One Center- a rooftop destination that’s unlike any other. Perched high above Tysons, this beautiful spot combines scenic city views, a beer garden, lush green spaces, games, and more. Join us on the top floor to catch up over delicious bites and drinks, enjoy some lawn games, or just relax and take in the incredible skyline. Whether you’re here for the good conversation, the stunning views, or just a little break from the everyday, you won’t want to miss this event. So grab your friends and head up to The Perch with us—we can’t wait to see you there! https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

Come join us for brunch with a view of the Potomac

**🥰 Zoom Speed Dating for Indianapolis Locals – Matched by Age & Personality** This online speed dating format leans into the human side: strong hosting, repeat attendees, and a sense that the event is part of a growing community. A hosted online speed dating experience for Indianapolis locals. We match you with compatible Indianapolis locals using a quick personality quiz. You'll chat one-on-one on Zoom in short timed rounds while a host guides the session. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=18-32&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=30-46&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=40-58&face_v=15.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Great fit for:** - 🔥 Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - 🚀 Singles in Indianapolis who want to meet people from home - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Indianapolis locals. ⭐ *"The personality matching genuinely works. My matches were spot on."* – Indianapolis local --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away. 💝 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming We are building this around repeat faces, good energy, and a community that grows event by event.

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

**🫶 Virtual Speed Dating – Indianapolis Singles, Curated by Personality** Online speed dating for Indianapolis locals — hosted live on Zoom, personality matched. We match you with compatible Indianapolis locals using a quick personality quiz. You'll chat one-on-one on Zoom in short timed rounds while a host guides the session. **Register under your age group:** - ⚡ **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Indianapolis locals after personality-matched dates ⭐ *"Ideal for introverts. Felt at ease the entire time."* – Indianapolis attendee **At a glance** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - 💡 **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Indianapolis singles. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. **What's the personality quiz for?** **Is my info private?** --- ✨ Meet Indianapolis singles from home. Sign up and we'll take care of the rest. 💖 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Everything important, without the extra padding.

**💓 Online Speed Dating via Zoom – Connect with Indianapolis Singles Tonight!** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. Meet Indianapolis singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. Join from home, get paired with Indianapolis singles your age, and have real conversations on Zoom. A host manages everything so you can just relax and enjoy. **Choose your age range to register:** - 🎉 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=18-32&face_v=15.0) - 🎉 **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=30-46&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=40-58&face_v=15.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- ✅ **You will like this if:** - 💡 Singles in Indianapolis who want to meet people from home - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - First-timers new to speed dating 🛠 **What the flow looks like** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Indianapolis locals. 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🦋 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Concise by design so people can decide quickly. 🤝 **Community angle** - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. 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) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)