Sci-Fi/Fantasy

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Dune and Messiahs,”** on word of saviors in religion and science fiction, with Peter Herman, former lecturer in theology and religious studies at Marymount University and scholar of religious and social themes in sci fi. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs) .] *Dune: Part Three* is scheduled for release in December, and trailers for the epic space opera film have fans of the *Dune* franchise longing for it like visitors to its desert planet Arrakis long for water. Based on the second volume of renowned science fiction novelist Frank Herbert's *Dune* saga, the movie depicts the internal and external conflicts of protagonist Paul Atreides, an emperor treated by others as a messiah while being depicted as an antihero. The film will raise intriguing questions related to the presence of redeeming figures, or messiahs, throughout both science fiction and religious texts. Among them: What exactly do we mean by the term “messiah”? Why have many religious traditions looked for a redeemer to emerge? What happens if the messiah gets it all wrong? Explore such questions—and prepare yourself to enjoy the upcoming *Dune* film at a much deeper level—with Dr. Peter Herman, who has given several excellent, thought-provoking Profs and Pints talks on the *Dune* franchise. To center *Dune* in the discussion, we’ll look at the character of Paul Atriedes as a ruler who has launched a jihad across known space to reconquer it. His prescient visions show him that although the spread of religious war is not optimal, neither is it the worst potential future for humanity, and he allows excess and violence to continue in his name out of a conviction that it’s for the greater good. Throughout the book on which the upcoming film is based, Atriedes struggles with his followers' desire to view him as a divine figure. Dr. Herman, a trained theologian, will set such themes in the broader context of religious studies by discussing messianic figures across various religious traditions. Among them, Christianity names Jesus of Nazareth as the messiah, but he is hardly the first person in the canonical Bible given that title. Mainstream Judaism does not anticipate any similar, deified figure descending from heaven, but messianic strains of Judaism have looked for the arrival of a political liberator. Islam, from which Frank Herbert borrowed terms applied to Paul Atriedes, contains reference to someone serving not as a redeemer but as a heavenly guide. All branches of Buddhism situate within each new age of their cyclical cosmology a Buddha-yet-to-come. We’ll look at the human tendency in confusing times to seek out direct, uncomplicated answers and to embrace messianism as part of apocalypticism, which foretells a straightforward sorting process in which believers, as good people, see reward while their enemies, as bad people, see punishment. *Dune* fans will feel rewarded for coming to this talk. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

The country’s best pitmasters will descend on DC to show off their unique flavors and cooking techniques for discerning judges. With 100+ free food samples, music, and endless entertainment, you’ll discover all your new favorite flavors. **NEW THIS YEAR!** **Giant Corks to Caps 21+ Oasis** – A true oasis for those 21 and over with sampling and drinks for sale from Paradise Cove, Corona Beach, and the Mom Water She Shed. **Pepsi Art to Go-Go Tent** – The **top** Go-Go acts, live art experiences, and special performances. **BIGGEST BBQ COMPETITIONS YET** – More pitmasters, **$50,000+ in prizes**, and the fiercest showdown in BBQ history! Click here for more information: [https://bbqindc.com/](https://bbqindc.com/) **Groupon Tickets:** [https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle](https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle) **Please Note:** If you purchase your tickets through Groupon, you will need to follow the instructions on your voucher to get your ticket. The Promo Code is listed as the redemption code. More detailed instructions are at the bottom. **Regular and Corks to Caps tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413) **Please Note:** We are not the organizers of the festival. Geek Nite Out is a Meetup group that is attending the festival. **--MEETUP INFORMATION--** **MEETING:** We will start to gather outside the entrance at Pennsylvania Ave and 7th St. at 10:45 am. I will be wearing a Geek cap. We'll head into the festival when it opens. Don't worry if you miss us when we're outside the festival. Just message us on Discord when you arrive, and I will post our location along with a what3words link. Learn more about what3words: [https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5](https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5) A **#bbq** channel will be created on the GNO Discord server on the day of the event. It's to be used to help everyone communicate and find the group. You can join the Discord server here: [https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP ](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP)(link should be permanent. Please let me know if it stops working) **METRO:** The Street Festival is next to the Archives Metro Station, along the Green and Yellow Lines. **Groupon Ticket Instructions (This is through desktop. It may be a little different on mobile):** 1. Purchase your ticket through Groupon 2. Select your profile from the top right of the screen and select "My Groupons" 3. Find the "34th Annual Giant BBQ Battle Washington, DC" and select "redeem now" 4. Select "view voucher" 5. Look for the How To Use section on the left side 6. Open the URL listed under step two of that section 7. The Eventbrite page will open in a new tab (you may have to log in) 8. Select "get tickets" on the top right 9. Select the tab containing the Groupon voucher 10. Copy the redemption code from the top left 11. Open the Eventbrite tab 12. Paste the redemption code into the promo code box and select "apply" 13. Check out of Eventbrite normally

This game has it all... Cylons, Opera Houses, ambiguous endings...

Let's go see the Maiden of Steel in a solo adventure. Quick update, the movie starts at 2 PM, so I have updated the meet time to 1:30. See you soon.

I don't know why I bother, you all are signed up for this group, but no one seems to want to do anything, Anyway, I'm going to see the Supergirl movie on Saturday, if anyone wants to join me.... Mike T

In the aftermath of the Starfinder Society’s last trip to the frozen moon of Luvoth, in *[Starfinder Society Scenario #1-02: Mystery of the Frozen Moon](https://store.paizo.com/starfinder-society-scenario-1-02-mystery-of-the-frozen-moon)*, the lu-venon citizens of Luvoth have been liberated and reunited with friends and family. In the months since, they’ve attempted to reclaim their world and rebuild their crumbling society. To temper the danger of initial explorations, lu-venon leadership decided to reach out to the Starfinder Society, requesting their assistance with exploration efforts. Your first task? Explore a mysterious ice cave overflowing with psychic activity while accompanied by lu-venon researcher and Starfinder ally, Uloa Su-Tae. A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 2nd-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. Written by Thomas Pugh.

Join us for this amazing day of Esperanto in DC! Beginners are welcome. Look for the green flag! Drinks and food are available for (optional) purchase at the restaurants. Entry to the Smithsonian museums is free. We will meet at 12:30 pm for lunch at the Mitsitam Cafe at the Museum of the American Indian. After lunch we will visit 3 new small exhibitions at the museum, then walk to the Arts and Industries Building, where we will participate in special art and music events and have the chance to shop at the "Folklife Marketplace". We will then eat together again. *** Aliĝu al nia renkontiĝo por ĝui mirindan tagon en Vaŝingtono! Komencantoj estas bonvenaj! Serĉu la verdan flagon! Trinkaĵoj kaj manĝoj estos aĉeteblaj, se vi volas. Eniro al la Smithsonian-muzeoj estas senpaga. Ni renkontiĝos je la 12:30 en la restoracio Mitsitam ĉe la Muzeo de la Amerika Indiano. Proksimume je la 14:00 ni vizitos novajn ekspoziciojn ĉe la muzeo, poste piediros al la konstruaĵo "Artoj kaj Industrioj" de la Smithsonian, kie ni partoprenos en muzikaj kaj artaj eventoj kaj butikumas. Je la 17:00 ni denove manĝos kune. \*\*\* Lost? Contact the organizer Margo by Meetup chat. Perdita? Kontaktu la organizanton Margo per Meetup-chat.\*\*\* Agenda/Agendo (times are approximate) 12:30 pm: Meet at Mitsitam cafe for lunch 2:00 pm: Visit artistic and cultural exhibitions at the museum 3:30 pm: Walk to the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building for artistic, musical and shopping activities 5:00 pm: early dinner (location TBA) 6:30 pm: ĝis la revido!

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!