World History

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face 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 greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : 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](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

**Tigris & Euphrates** is a seminal tile-placement and strategy game set in the ancient fertile crescent, often hailed as the masterpiece of designer Reiner Knizia. Players guide rival dynasties to establish and expand their kingdoms across Mesopotamia. The game is unique for its scoring mechanism: you must balance progress in four different spheres—**Settlements (Black), Trade (Blue), Farming (Green), and Religion (Red)**—because your final score is only the *lowest* score among these four categories. You place tiles to build up these four aspects, create powerful leaders, and connect them to monuments. However, conflict is inevitable. Whenever two different kingdoms attempt to link up, a **"Revolt"** (leader-less conflict) or **"War"** (leader-led conflict) erupts, with the winners absorbing the tiles and power of the losers. The constant tension between internal growth and external conflict is the core of the game. *** ✅ You will enjoy this if: * You love games with a **"Knizia-style" scoring twist** (scoring your minimum category) that forces you to constantly address your weakest link. * You enjoy games with **pure strategy and near-zero luck**, where every decision about tile placement and conflict resolution is critical. * You appreciate a game where **control is often fleeting** and a powerful kingdom can be broken apart by a well-timed invasion. * You like classic, **high-tension abstracts** that are easy to learn but offer immense depth and replayability. We currently have two copies of the game, but please, if you have a copy, and you'd like to come, let us know, and we'll add a third game. And folks, if you're new to the hobby, or even if you haven't yet dipped your toes in the water, this game is a must play classic, with very simple rules. We hope you'll join us!

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** 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\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 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\. 12.

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and meditation. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

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!***

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face 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 greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : 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](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

**Life** Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born in 1646 in Leipzig. He had access to a substantial library early in life and is said to have taught himself Latin to read the Church Fathers and Latin Classics. He attended universities in Leipzig and Altdorf, earned a doctorate in law in 1667, turned down a faculty position, and went to work for the Elector of Mainz. In 1672 he had the opportunity to visit Paris to discuss his Egypt Plan, in which France would invade Egypt and leave Germany and the Netherlands alone. There he met several leading French thinkers, including [Nicolas Malebranche](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolas-Malebranche) and [Antoine Arnauld](https://iep.utm.edu/antoine-arnauld/), and studied mathematics under [Christian Huygens](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christiaan-Huygens) (discovering integral and differential calculus after about three years). He created a calculating machine and, based on this work, was made in 1673 a member of the Royal Society. In 1676 he began working in the court of the Duke of Hanover. He spent much of his life promoting science, libraries and learning and was the first president of the [Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_Academy_of_Sciences). Leibniz made contributions to not only mathematics but physics, theology, and philosophy. He sought to reconcile Catholicism and Lutheranism and, in his own way, modern science and philosophy to certain Aristotelian ideas, such as the substantial form and final cause. He died in Hanover in 1716. **Themes** Leibniz is regarded, along with Descartes and Spinoza, as one of the most important rationalist philosophers of his age. He wrote a work in response to John Locke arguing that some principles or ideas are in some sense innate. In metaphysics, he asserted the principle of sufficient reason, which says that things happen when there is more reason for them to happen than not, and claimed that, strictly speaking, all true statements are analytic (e.g., it can be truly predicated of Ceasar *a priori* that he crossed the Rubicon). Unhappy with atomistic and other accounts of substance, he argued that monads (dimensionless, soul-like entities) are fundamental, reflect everything that has ever happened or will happen, and are in sync with each other through a pre-established order chosen by God. From the conclusion that God has chosen this world, and that God can only choose the best, Leibniz famously claimed that this is the best of all possible worlds. The system Leibniz set up would seem to leave little room for human freedom, but he tried to argue that people were nonetheless free in some sense. Right or wrong, his views are complex and interesting. **Works and This Month's Reading** Leibniz wrote so much that the critical edition of his collected works, underway for several decades, remains unfinished. Much of this output consists of short works—letters, journal articles—rather than a magnum opus. His only book-length statement of his philosophy published in his lifetime is *Theodicy*. His other major works include *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. Except for *Monadology*, our readings this month are not from his most famous works; however, the selections in the *Shorter Leibniz Texts* are helpfully arranged, cover many of Leibniz's main claims, and, because the selections are short, can be read in coherent, manageable chunks. **Readings** · [The Shorter Leibniz Texts (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Leibniz-Texts-Collection-Translations/dp/0826489516/) · [Monadology (Google Books, pp. 215-271)](https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Monadology_and_Other_Philosophical_W/0IARAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1) – The Strickland version listed below is a good alternative. Both have more footnotes and explanatory text than text from Leibniz. **Optional** · [Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, IEP](https://iep.utm.edu/leib-ove/) – Summarizes Leibniz’s thought based on *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, *Theodicy*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. · [Leibniz's Monadology: A New Translation and Guide (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Leibnizs-Monadology-New-Translation-Guide/dp/074869322X/) – An alternative to the version on Google (above), this version also has relevant selections from *Theodicy*. · [Leibniz: Philosophical Essays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0872200620/?) – Contains Discourse on *Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, the Preface to *New Essays on Human Understanding*, and several other short works and letters. · [The Philosophy of Spinoza & Leibniz (YouTube) - Magee & Quinton, 1987](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7n7wfQOGaI) · [The Essence of Calculus (YouTube) - 3Blue1Brown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM) \- Quick intro\. · [Mathematical Treasure: Leibniz's Papers on Calculus (MAA)](https://old.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence/mathematical-treasure-leibnizs-papers-on-calculus) – If you’re curious what Leibniz’s calculus looked like. · [Mathematics - 19th Century, Algebra, Calculus | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/mathematics/Mathematics-in-the-19th-century) – History of math, with some math.

Generosity isn’t just a grand gesture—it’s a way of moving through the world. In this discussion, we’ll explore how everyday choices, habits, and attitudes can help us nurture a culture of giving in our own lives and communities. We’ll talk about questions like: * What does “living generously” actually look like in daily practice? * How can we give beyond finances—through time, presence, skills, advocacy, or encouragement? * What gets in the way of generosity, and how can we build rhythms that keep our hearts open? * How do small acts of giving contribute to healthier, more connected communities? This gathering is open to anyone interested in personal growth, community-building, or simply finding more meaning in the way they engage with others. Expect a warm, reflective environment where stories, insights, and practical ideas are welcome. Come join us as we explore how generosity—rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and intentional action—can transform not just individual lives, but the communities we create together.

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://l.gourl.es/l/610ffc71d4fef483eb65a7c8e0a0dde7bf61c23f?u=7709345) 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.

The power of unity can easily be seen in how we come together in times of crisis. But what about after the immediate crisis has passed? Can spirituality help us harness the power of unity, regardless of circumstance, and despite our many differences? With each passing day, it seems like we are realizing more and more how interconnected we all are, how much we depend on one another. Old patterns of existence based on division aren’t working for us. Particularly in times of crisis, we see that we do better when we come together, when we’re able to support one another and draw strength from each other. But what if this power wasn’t limited to times of crisis? What if unity wasn’t just a lofty idea worth aspiring to but a strategy to be used in affecting positive change? Is there specific guidance we can follow, methods we can enact to help us create a more materially and spiritually advanced society? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the power of unity in helping us enact a social & spiritual transformation. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in helping us work with each other on the path towards the betterment of us all. “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Join PSW Science® on December 19th at 8 PM as we welcome Davey Smith, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Clinical and Translational Research at UCSD. Smith will explain UCSD's "Last Gift" program which follows people with HIV closely near the end of life and then studies many organs right after death. In addition to HIV reserach, this model opens new windows on cancer, brain and nerve diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, in addition to heart and lung disease. During the question and answer period, in-person attendees and live stream viewers may ask the speaker questions, and in-person attendees may also engage with the speaker during the post-lecture reception. Refreshments are served. For more information on this meeting, please visit: [https://pswscience.org/meeting/2527/](https://pswscience.org/meeting/2527/ "https://pswscience.org/meeting/2527/") The meeting will be held in the John Wesley Powell Auditorium, adjacent to the Cosmos Club. The Powell Auditorium is located at 2170 Florida Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008. Use of the Cosmos Club is restricted to the Powell Auditorium, the entryway to the auditorium, and the restrooms immediately outside the auditorium. Please note there is no onsite parking available. A live stream of the event is also available: [https://youtube.com/live/677a2aOVi1Q](https://youtube.com/live/677a2aOVi1Q "https://youtube.com/live/677a2aOVi1Q") PSW Science, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest scientific societies in Washington D.C. Now, over 150 years later, we celebrate the Society's rich history and contributions to scientific discovery and cross-disciplinary collaboration. For information on how to become a member of PSW Science and membership benefits, please visit [https://pswscience.org/join/](https://pswscience.org/join/ "https://pswscience.org/join/")

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

$5 MOVIE NIGHT! With avatar fire and Ash, James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with marine turned Navi leader Jake Sully. Navi Warrior, Naytiri and the Solly family. The film has a screenplay by James Cameron and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. We will see the 6 PM showing and I will post my seat so that we can sit together. We can grab something to eat after if people want and chat to round out the experience. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE for me. I hope you feel the same. I will CANCEL if there are less than 5 RSVPs on the movie date.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!