Diplomatically Speaking, D.C.

Non-profit || @Toastmasters club with government, int’l org, NGO & academia members || 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month @ 6:15 pm || Everyone is welcome! 🤝🎙️✨

[Diplomatically Speaking, D.C. @dip_dc]

We mourn the passing of Fr. Sirianni. His life was defined by three loyalties: his family, his country, and his community. Last year, Fr. Sirianni donated $60,000 to his parish; he worked without compensation. Washington, DC, is not the same without him.

Rest in peace, Father.

[Catholic Standard @CathStandard]

Father Klaus Joseph Sirianni, longtime priest and Air Force and hospital chaplain, dies at age 80
https://t.co/wkCJKKtNZ7

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

The Shining Path (Peru) was one of history’s worst mass-murder movements. International communist support networks funneled funds and seeded propaganda on its behalf, including in the United States.

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Yesterday I inaugurated a new restoration at Samarkand’s Registan Square, visited Tamerlane’s tomb, and ate “plov.” Incredible pics don’t do it justice. Americans should visit 🧵

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Samarkand is as old as Rome, and was the most far-flung place conquered by Alexander the Great. For a millennium, it was one of the richest crossroads on the Silk Road. The artwork at the Sher-Dor complex (seen here) embeds Zoroastrian forms, including this mosaic of a tiger, ringed by the sun, chasing a gazelle. I’m told this represents the ravenous pursuit of knowledge.

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Each tiny segment of this mosaic is separately kiln-fired; then, they are mortared together using traditional techniques. Seams are undetectable. I was privileged to sign one of the tiles that will go into the restored gazelle, and hopefully stand for another thousand years.

When America selects AFCP restorations, one of our aims is to convey support for countries’ sovereignty and national identity. Many empires transacted at Samarkand and laid tribute before Tamerlane, but this is a uniquely Uzbek cultural asset.

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Gayane Umerova leads Uzbekistan’s cultural-economy initiatives, including these restorations. Every interaction I have with her is elegant and impressive. She hosted me and Amb. Henick for tea, macarons, and traditional Uzbek refreshments in the Registan courtyard, an experience I highly recommend.

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

At the Gur-e-Amir, Tamerlane’s tomb. Much of the marble is original. His cenotaph is a single block of dark green jade — once a Chinese temple stone, later a Genghisid khan’s throne — set among marble tombs and onyx-paneled walls.

Tamerlane (aka Timur) was the last great steppe conqueror, a descendant of Genghis Khan who conquered Persia, sacked Delhi, and imprisoned the Turkish sultan in a golden cage. But Tamerlane didn’t just wage war. Between his conquests, he assembled artists and scientists in his capital of Samarkand, which he made into the greatest cultural center between Europe and China.

Legend says that his tomb was inscribed with a warning: that whoever disturbed Timur would bring down the wrath of a worse conqueror. Days after Stalin excavated his coffin (over Uzbek objections), Hitler invaded the USSR.

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Buried nearby: Tamerlane’s grandson Ulugh Beg — astronomer and mathematician, who corrected Ptolemy’s star catalog at his Samarkand observatory. In 1449 he was killed at the behest of a sharia court, and his own son, on the premise of heresy. The observatory was razed. Too bad!

[Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers @UnderSecPD]

Capped the day with plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish. The restaurant owner promised it would keep me full for three years. So far, so true.

[District 36 @District36Toast]

Did you know that volunteering has been linked to stronger social connections, increased confidence, and even greater personal satisfaction? It is also one of the best ways to develop leadership and communication skills while making a meaningful impact on others.

As we reflect on another successful District 36 Conference, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make this event possible. From registration and logistics to contests, education sessions, and behind-the-scenes support, your dedication made a difference.

Pictured here is AnnMarie Walker, a former District Director of District 36 and one of many leaders who have given their time and talents in service to our members. As we prepare to close the District 36 chapter and begin an exciting new journey as District 220, we encourage everyone to consider volunteering. Some of the most rewarding @Toastmasters experiences begin with simply saying “yes” to an opportunity to serve.

If you ever have the chance, ask Annmarie how joining Toastmasters has benefited her. We are confident her answer may surprise you—and perhaps inspire your own Toastmasters journey.

#Toastmasters #District36 #District220 #VolunteerLeadership #NurtureGrowInspire @toastmastersofficial

[Diplomatically Speaking, D.C. @dip_dc]

@Siren_Artist44 😊

[Adams Morgan News @AdamsMorganNews]

Free - Thursdays at Sunset 🌅

Adams Morgan Movie Nights are back.

Marie Reed Soccer Field.

This week: Hamilton.

Sing along to the 11-time Tony Award winner. 🎶

Full schedule: https://t.co/Fkx5qAGesl

[DC Public Library @dcpl]

On my birthday, let me reintroduce myself.

[UNICEF Central African Republic @UNICEF_CAR]

“Seeing so many sick children is so hard to bear,” says Odilon Rama.

Thanks to support of @StateDept UNICEF & its partners have trained community health workers like him in the Sangha Mbaere.

Thanks to their dedication families have greater trust in the healthcare system💙

[Diplomatically Speaking, D.C. @dip_dc]

👏👏👏

[George Mason News @GeorgeMasonNews]

Ten startups from four countries came to @GeorgeMasonU's SciTech Campus for the Global Innovation Showcase, exploring opportunities for growth, collaboration, and investment in the Nexus234 Innovation District. https://t.co/nCJqxxJI2s

[Public Speaking Made Painless @Public_Speaker_]

“I learned during my time as a radio broadcaster] the fundamental rule of public speaking.

Whether on the radio, on television or to a live crowd, talk to your audience, not over their heads or through them. Just use normal everyday words.

I have never lost that vision of the fellows in the barbershop sitting around and listening to the radio.”

– Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States

#PainlessPublicSpeaking
#PublicSpeaking

[Christopher Landau @DeputySecState]

The Ortega-Murillo dictatorship in Nicaragua is responsible for the death of Brooklyn Rivera, leader of the indigenous-aligned YATAMA political party. He died this weekend as the regime's prisoner after 3 years of inhumane treatment, unjust detention, and enforced disappearance. The US stands with those, like Brooklyn, committed to a free Nicaragua. RIP/QEPD Ta Upla Rivera. 🇺🇸🙏🇳🇮

[Diplomatically Speaking, D.C. @dip_dc]

🎙️ Practice, practice, practice! 👏👏👏

[Public Speaking Made Painless @Public_Speaker_]

Speakers are less anxious presenting a speech on a topic they know well.

It’s also easier for them to be engaging, enthusiastic, and expressive when speaking about a subject with which they have a genuine interest or personal experience.

#PainlessPublicSpeaking
#PublicSpeaking

[Public Speaking Made Painless @Public_Speaker_]

In modern #PublicSpeaking, a presenter’s goal is to sound “conversational.”

No matter how formal the presentation, effective speakers deliver their material in a conversational tone & style that audiences find easiest to listen to, understand, & remember.

#PainlessPublicSpeaking

[Diplomatically Speaking, D.C. @dip_dc]

🎉 Happy, Happy 130th Birthday, @dcpl!! 🥳🥳

[Visit Washington, DC @washingtondc]

Hellooo, June in DC. 😎 🔆

📸: drchubacca / IG #Only1DC #SpringInDC