Mystery Science Theater 3000

Hi all, Welcome to our May book club! We are a friendly group of avid readers that enjoy a variety of books and great conversation, over a meal. New members are welcome but spaces are limited. The books for Thursday 21 May 2026 are: **Science Fiction** Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove [Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216540053-of-monsters-and-mainframes) **Fantasy** A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin [A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #1) by Ursula K. Le Guin | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13642.A_Wizard_of_Earthsea) **Urban Fantasy** Go back, and re-read the book that first got you hooked into Urban Fantasy books. Books set a mondern time, with a recognisable urban type landscape. Was it Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, the Dresden Files, Mercy Thompson, Sookie Stackhouse or maybe Twilight that inspired you to read more books like this. You don't have to read all the books. However, the more you read, the more robust the conversation will be with multiple people discussing each book. Don't forget to bring along some Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Urban Fantasy suggestions for the following meet-up! If you would like to see all the books (excluding bonus books) that we have read before, click [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K96OI_w3AIBzkDVWXenQNc6mYbZ2cMvfRnzVehkp9Bo/edit#gid=0) to have a look. Since there are so many authors out there, we try not to repeat authors, however, I am relaxing this slightly moving forward. If you are new(ish) to the group, check out the back catalogue for some inspiration if you are stuck for something to read. Numbers are limited. If you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to a NO as a courtesy to the organiser and to let any wait-listed people into the meet-up. If you have time, stay back for a social catch up with your fellow book club members. Of course, you can go as soon as the book club finishes, but if you have time, then this is a great opportunity to find out all the news and what books people have been reading over the last couple of months. Happy Reading!!! 🤓😊

Our shadow, or dark side, acts as a storehouse for the unacceptable aspects of our personality which we pretend don't exist. As a result we repress these negative personal qualities out of our awareness and into the unconscious which results in the blocking of our spiritual path. To successfully move along the spiritual path to higher states of consciousness the seeker must have the courage and will to identify, own and integrate the unfavorable aspects of their personality. This lecture will cover the insights and techniques needed to do this valuable and important spiritual work from a Jungian and Theosophical perspective. **Tony Petcopoulos** is a national lecturer and has been a member of the Theosophical society for fifty years. He has studied the ageless wisdom at the Theosophical headquarters at Adyar in India and attended the wisdom school at Krotona in the United States. Tony has studied Vipassana meditation under Goenka in India and Buddhism in the Himalayas under Buddhist Lamas. Tony is a retired Social Worker who worked for various state and federal government departments in their employee assistance programs. His main expertise focused on stress, burnout, and critical incident stress debriefing. At present he specialises in the techniques of how to open the heart and move into higher states of consciousness. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further the three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

**Welcome to our Thursday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Asian Beer Café** **Level 3, Melbourne Central** **211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3 at entry**. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

## **SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA)** \- Melbourne\. In-Person Lecture/Discussion. ***"Sophia: The Goddess of Wisdom."*** Speaker: Barbara Jandric. *\~ SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.\~* Enquiries: sofmelbourne@gmail.com **[SOFiA Website](http://www.sof-in-australia.org/).** **[Facebook: 'Sofiatalk'](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sofiatalk/)** \- Please join their ongoing discussions\.

#### ***Thursday Night Improv* is the funniest show of the week in Melbourne, bringing together the city’s most talented improvisers for a fast-paced, unpredictable night of comedy. Every show is completely made up on the spot, packed with big laughs, wild ideas, and moments you’ll never see again. Come along and watch Melbourne’s best improvisers create something hilarious out of absolutely nothing!**

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just one member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Hey friends, please join us for our Meet and Geek at Pixel! We run this event every four weeks and it's a great opportunity to meet new people, play some games, and have some fun. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Looking forward to seeing you all there! * **About the event:** Perfect if you're a solo gamer looking to make friends, or if you've never been to a Meet Up before! It's a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where you can comfortably meet people and play games socially. There's a variety of games and player experience at all levels. * **Bring your own favourite game(s)!** There is a great selection of games provided by Pixel, but we encourage people to bring their own as well! If you don't have any, no dramas! Just join a table and learn a new game with help from our friendly community. * **Starting at 7pm and ending about 10pm** at Pixel Bar and Cafe. They have kindly let us use their space, so please show your support to this great venue by buying a drink or two (non-alcoholic options available!). If you're in need of a bite, you can order food to the venue too! * **Getting there:** Pixel Bar is opposite Huntingdale station, so there's trains, buses, and plenty of car parks! * **Regarding the Waitlist:** Please remove yourself from attending if you are unable to make the event. This allows others who are next in line on the waitlist to get a notification and be able to attend. We want the event as full as possible! * Dave, Hayley, and Laura

Finally time for the Duo to shine on the Big Screen. For anyone that has been missing them on the small screen time to see a new chapter in their story. Booking for 12:30 pm Session. I have booked my ticket for the G row. Looking forward to catching up with fan's of the characters. Meet near the ticket counter I'll be there at 12:00 pm Garth https://www.hoyts.com.au/orders/tickets?cinemaId=DOCCIN&sessionId=151958

A two-day workshop presented by Nicky Bassett & Tony Petcopoulos Saturday 23rd May 9:30am-4:30pm & Sunday 24th May 9:30am-4:30pm Please join us as we explore our heart’s power to achieve higher states of consciousness, and our soul’s journey that enables us to become more open-hearted spiritual beings guided by love and wisdom. We begin by discussing the convergence of ancient heart wisdom traditions and recent heart-based scientific findings; and identify heart qualities that can increase our physical, emotional and mental well-being, resulting in awesome spiritual transformations including enhanced intuition, reduced karma and clarity of vision. Then, using H.P.Blavatsky’s treasured classic *The Voice of the Silence* as our guide, we reflect on our soul’s journey by exploring the significance of *The Voice*, the Doctrine of the Heart, the power of concentration, thought-forms and our shadow, and our path through the seven Portals that can lead us to spiritual wisdom. The workshop will include techniques and activities along with a two 50-page reference booklet to be distributed at the end of each day to reinforce the key concepts. Nicky and Tony have travelled the world since their early twenties, studying and practising various sacred traditions in search of Self, and have taught the Ageless wisdom for many years. Nicky’s tertiary studies in psychology and business have supported her work as an academic communications lecturer, management and training consultant, astrological counsellor and CEO. Tony is a retired social worker with 35 years’ experience in employee assistance schemes specializing in stress, burnout and community development and has studied at Adyar in India. They welcome you on this magical journey deep into our hearts. To register and pay the $30 to attend this special event, please contact the Melbourne Theosophical Bookstore in person or via the phone 8638 0364 during opening hours - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-4pm. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

**Please note:** **This event has been posted on multiple Meetup groups.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*** **Meetup Time / Session:** **12pm, for the 12.30pm Vmax session.** **How to find us:** **Meet outside the Gold Class cinema entrance.** **Film Duration:** **TBC** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*** **Details:** **You don't need to purchase your movie ticket beforehand.** **We will meet at the meetup location and wait about 15 minutes until everyone has arrived.** **We will then line up together to get our tickets and snacks for the movie so we can sit next to each other.** **(Optional)** **After the movie, we will go for a post-film chat and enjoy a drink/food.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*** **You can access a discounted ticket price if you are a** **Vrewards member****. Not a Vrewards member?** **[Join now for FREE](https://villagecinemas.com.au/vrewards).** **Meetup Venue:** **Village Cinemas, Southland - 1239 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham, Victoria 3192.** **\> Directions on [how to get there by car](https://villagecinemas.com.au/cinemas/southland?tab=about); or [how to get there by train](https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/stop/1001/southland-station/0/train/#StopPage:::datetime=2024-12-30T10%3A38%3A24.933Z&directionId=-1&showAllDay=false&_auth=879472dc6ad13266ce18119ab192f14e882dcdb8fe511a14e585563cac243abe)** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*** **If you have any questions, feel free to drop a message in the Comments section.** **I look forward to seeing everyone there!** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*** **Watch Trailer:** **[Watch Trailer](https://villagecinemas.com.au/movies/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu)** **Synopsis:** **The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” an all-new Star Wars adventure opening exclusively in Australian and New Zealand cinemas May 21, 2026. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.** **Director:** **Jon Favreau** **Cast:** **Sigourney Weaver, Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White** **Classification:** **CTC** **Genre:** **Action, Adventure, Fantasy** **Release date:** **Thu 21 May 2026**

The optimum computing machine is a subject many of us have studied. If you were building one how would you design it? First the computer should be able to compute with perfect accuracy on any problem in the universe and produce answers which were always and invariably right. Second the computer would have to be swift, working much more quickly than the problem and process could be vocally articulated. Third the computer would have to be able to handle large numbers of variables and large numbers of problems simultaneously. Forth, the computer would have to be able to evaluate its own data and there would have to remain available within it not only a record of its former conclusions but the evaluations leading to those conclusions. Fifth, the computer would have to be served by a memory bank of nearly infinite capacity and would have to be available to the analytical portion of the computer in the smallest fractions of a second. Sixth, the computer would have to be able to rearrange former conclusions or alter them in the light of new experience. Seventh, the computer would need no exterior director, but would be entirely self determined about its programing guided only by the necessity –value of the solution which it itself would determine. Eight the computer should be self servicing and self arming against present and future damage and would be able to estimate future damage. Ninth the computer should be served by perception by which it could determine necessity –value. Tenth ,the memory bank should store perceptions as perceived ,consecutive with time received with the smallest possible time divisions between perception .It would then store in color-Visio (moving),tone audio (flowing),odor ,tactile and self sensation ,all of them cross –coordinated . Eleventh, for the purposes of solutions, it would have to be able to create new situations and imagine new perceptions hitherto not perceived and should be able to conceive these to itself in terms of tone –audio ,color-visio ,odor, tactile, and self sensation –and should be able to file anything so conceived as imagined ,labeled “memories” Twelfth, the entire machine should be portable. It might be somewhat astonishing at first to conceive such a computer .But the fact is, the machine is in existence .There are billions of them in use today and many ,many more billions have been made and used in the past . In fact you’ve got one .for we are dealing with the human mind. L.RON .HUBBARD Do you want to learn how the mind works?Then do not miss this meetup. RSVP now !!

We're back (again)! At the Boyd Community Hub, Southbank. We'll aim to have 30 minutes of introduction and tutorial, with a 6pm start to our first game, so please be ON TIME. **What to Expect:** Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game requiring a storyteller to take a roughly a dozen people through a series of "days and nights" where townspeople try to identify and hunt down a *demon* before they become the hunted. **Beginners welcome!** You don't need to know how to play **AT ALL**, so please invite a friend, we will run a tutorial for those who need it. **NOTE** BOTC requires fluent English, the crux of this game is communication and deception. **2 Strike Policy** Late-leavers: attendees who cancel within 24 hours of the event. No-shows: attendees who mark themselves as “going” but don’t turn up. Someone who does either of these once will be forgiven but flagged. On a second offence, they will be removed. Long-time regulars will be afforded some leniency. Legitimate reasons will be considered for leniency.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.