Sci-Fi/Fantasy

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Fake News and *War of the Worlds*,”** a look at an infamous Orson Welles broadcast as an early lesson on mass media’s dangers, with Daniel H. Foster, associate professor and chair of liberal arts at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-war-of-worlds](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-war-of-worlds) .] On the evening of October 30th, 1938, somewhere between 6 and 12 million Americans tuned in the radio version of New York City’s experimental Mercury Theater. It was a decision that some, no doubt, came to regret. What they heard was an all-male chorus of talking heads—scientists, journalists, politicians, and military experts—repeatedly telling them that New Jersey was being invaded by Martians. The ensuing hours were alarming ones for those who did not realize they were listening to Mercury Theater on the Air’s adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells science fiction novel *War of the Worlds*. The performance, directed by and starring Orson Welles, pushed the still young medium of radio drama further than many had pushed it before. Its masterful use of music, sound effects, and especially silence showed how radio could ignite the imagination and make listeners fear the worst. Revisit that classic moment in media history, and learn what lessons it holds for us today, with Professor Daniel Foster, who over the years has taught the “War of the Worlds” broadcast as part of courses in radio, theater, and sound studies at several universities. His talk will go beyond the trivia and urban legends surrounding the broadcast and focus on the broadcast itself, to reveal what really happened and why it mattered. He’ll look at the broadcast not just as a moment of public panic, but a daring work of art. Aired during a period of rapid modern change, marked by the rise of dictators in Europe to the recent fiery destruction of the Hindenburg, the “War of the Worlds” broadcast tapped into widespread anxiety about new technologies and invading forces. Often labeled as an early case of “fake news,” it exposed deep questions about the institutions listeners trusted: education, the media, government, and the military. To emphasize the mischief radio can bring to the world, Orson Welles, at the end of the broadcast and in person, compared the radio to a jack-o-lantern and warned us to beware this “invader of the living room.” Answering questions about the performance, its historical context, and radio as a medium—new, blind, and global— isn’t merely an academic exercise. It can help us better understand how fake news works today and how to detect such lies before they cause irreparable harm. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A Henrique Alvim Corrêa illustration from a 1906 edition of *War of the Worlds* (Wikimedia Commons).

**NEW UPDATE:** Additional members of the cubing community have reached out to me and we all agree, the more cubing the better! I have removed the 12 person limit and we are adding an overflow cube for those also interested in non vintage type cubes! These guest cubes may consist of the following: \- Alex's Enchantment Cube: [Enchanted to Meet You](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/enchantedCube)! \- Matthew's Avatar cube: [Avatar: The Last Airbender Power(ful) Cube](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/avatarTLA) Priority will still fall to firing the vintage cube but what this means is if we reach 12 members we can offer the option to fire both cubes at 6 and 6 or just the vintage cube at 2 pods each. If we reach over 12 we will divide up the players between the two cubes with earlier RSVPs getting priority on their choice. If you have a cube that you are interested in having as a spill over cube please reach out to me and we can coordinate. Thank you! Come join and casually draft a vintage cube that is open to everyone. No cost to enter! The store provides promo booster packs and I usually throw in a pack of the most recent standard set to award to the people with the best records at the end of the night. [What is Cube?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNDBTRG6keM) What: Vintage Cube Draft When: 6:00pm Where: Your Hobby Place in Old Town Alexandria (Your Hobby Place, 700 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314) We aim to start drafting shortly after 6:00pm as the store's register closes at 9:00pm. The store owner is kind enough to keep the space open for us to finish rounds. In previous events we've usually wrapped up around 9:45. All skill levels are welcome and all cards, lands, tokens needed are provided so you only need to bring yourself and potentially some dice and playmat if you prefer. The list can be seen here: [https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon](https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/proxybacon) Join Your Hobby Place's Discord and grab the Cube Role in the mtg-chat channel for the most up to date information on cube at their location: [https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh](https://discord.gg/9je3G8vzXh) **Important Notice:** I have seen an increased number of signups and no shows amongst brand new accounts. In an effort to make sure we have room for everyone if this is your first time joining and you have just created a meetup account please reach out to me via Meetup or discord. **Late Policy:** RSVPing will hold your spot for up to 10 minutes after 6. If you expect you may be running late please reach out to me via the store's discord. My username is iluvbacon610.

Every week it's a different theme! We have done authors and their works, Changing Seasons, Animated Characters, and lots more. Form a team, but your team score is the amount of correct answers divided by number of team members. And, yes, there are prizes! If attendance is low, everyone gets something, but if it's big, the prizes are bigger, including gift cards! All questions are either created by us, or taken from one of our very many trivia games on hand. There will always be easy and hard questions, plus a fair range for every kind of player to be involved. Cost of attendance is being a patron of the store - buy food and drink or even a new game, and you're welcome to sit and play this (or any other game from our massive library!).

Welcome to our new home at the historic Tivoli Theater! Please check our details for access to the space on [our website](https://www.hacdc.org/visit/). Join the discord for questions / help getting in (use channel #let-me-in) [https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT](https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT)

**Rockville Science Center Chess Night and Lessons by FIDE Master Luke** **Time/Date: Monday evening, 6:30 to 9:00 PM** Join us as FIDE Master Luke delivers a chess lecture with notes. He begins teaching at 7:15pm. **Location: RSC "Storefront" Location,** 36C, Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 **Parking:** First two hours free at Parking Garage "A", 20 Maryland Ave #450, Rockville, MD 20850 * Casual Chess - Everyone is welcome. * You do not have to know how to play chess(!!!!) * Chess sets available on a first come - basis. * Wonderful chess sets provided, BYOC (bring your own clock) Host: Howard Lichtman More information about the RSC is at https://www.rockvillesciencecenter.org/

Welcome to the wonderful world of Hooky. Of the 26 children who should be in classes today, three are off playing hooky. It is morning before school starts, and in the chaos, your job as a homeroom teacher is to figure out which three are missing. There are some children off in the playground who are late getting to their homerooms, and you will learn their identities as they straggle in. Hooky https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/377480/hooky Light Refreshments are provided. Limited Guest Parking is available for Free if notified 24hrs in advance. We are right on the NOMA Red Line Metro Stop. Please RSVP so we can account for Snacks.

Please note that Geek Nite Out is a Meetup Group attending these events. We are not the organizers of The Unofficial Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row. Click here for more information: [https://www.barracksrow.org/brms-star-wars-weekend-2026](https://www.barracksrow.org/brms-star-wars-weekend-2026) Friday, May 1st, is the first night of The Unofficial Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row! There will be a lot of activities going on, including: ## Barracks Row's Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular Experience an epic lightsaber battle set to music and lights in the heart of DC. Join us on Barracks Row for a thrilling nighttime performance you won’t want to miss. ​ 📍 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 🕗 Show at 7:30 PM \-\-\- ## "Sith Happens", A Star Wars Pop Up Bar Step into a galaxy far, far away with out-of-this-world cocktails, dramatic Star Wars décor, and a fully immersive atmosphere that will transport you straight into the saga. Whether you’re a Jedi Master, Rebel pilot, or Sith Lord, this is the ultimate destination for fans 21+ ready to celebrate the Force in style. Expect: 🍸 Galactic-Themed Drinks – Crafted cocktails worthy of the Cantina📸 Star Wars-Inspired Photo Ops – Snap selfies with props and backdrops from across the galaxy🎶 Music, Cosplay & Surprises – DJs, costumed fans, and galactic mischief all night long. ✨ Costumes encouraged. Good times guaranteed, don’t miss your chance to drink like a Rebel… or a Sith. Lola's Bar 711 8th Street SE, Barracks Row – Washington, D.C. \-\-\- ## Dinner from a Galaxy Far, Far Away Star Wars Food Specials - Ted's Bulletin - 505 8th Street SE \-\-\- ## Schedule We will begin to meet at 5:30 pm at Ted's Bulletin - 505 8th Street SE. I will be wearing a black cap with "geek" on the front. We'll eat, drink, chat and try not to have our arms chopped off by a Jedi. At 7:00 pm, we'll ride our speeders to 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC to watch Jedi and Sith duel at the Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular. If we survive that, we'll head over to Sith Hapens at Lola's for some drinks that are out of this world. ## Communication A #starwarsnight channel will be created on the GNO Discord server before 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) I will let you know how to find me on the day of the event. ## Metro It's about a 7-minute walk from the Eastern Market Metro Station (along the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines). I'm looking forward to seeing you! May The Force Be With You!

Two former British soldiers get the idea to make their way to Kafiristan, a remote kingdom somewhere on the Indian subcontinent. If they succeed, they would be the first White men to arrive in centuries. With their superior education and skills compared to the isolated Kafiristanis, they’re confident that they can become the rulers of the land and live like kings. Told mostly in flashback, it’s a story of Victorian-era high adventure, unchecked ambition, and mercenary greed. ■ Title — *The Man Who Would Be King* ■ Director — John Huston ■ Cast — Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer ■ Rating — PG ■ ©1975 \| 2h 9m \| Adventure\, Drama\, War ■ Watch it free with ads on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100012579/the-man-who-would-be-king ■ Available free without ads to Hoopla subscribers: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11749263 ■ As with most of our online features, you can watch this one whenever you like. Members who watch at the scheduled time may enjoy exchanging comments with other members on this page. If you post a comment before the show, please avoid spoilers. Comments posted after the show may contain any content, but Oddball Cinema encourages members to always avoid spoilers unless there’s some particularly important details you need to mention. ■ Many of the movies on our online events from as far back as March 2020 are still available for viewing. However, titles sometimes move from one streaming service to another. If you find that the links on an old event no longer work, you can search for the current providers of any title here: https://justwatch.com

This is a MeetUp for those interested in practicing improv comedy with the Village Idiots' group's Improv Comedy group currently led by our wonderful host Grass. We will play some introductory games geared towards beginners/those who are curious about improv. Don't be shy, embrace your inner child/dark side and jump right in :) This is a judgment free zone so be as insane as you'd like! Think of this as a cathartic release from your daily rigid life, just the same as laughing when the Terrifier clown is on a killing spree or when you're using cheat codes in a Grand Theft Auto game... After all, bad living is good improv! (No people are actually harmed in the exercises, obviously). All are welcome, and the more, the merrier!

We will be playing Anachrony with up to 6 players. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes. Anachrony is set after a catastrophic explosion has nearly wiped out the human race and made the planet mostly uninhabitable. The game is played over a dynamic timeline as an even more terrible cataclysm is looming on the horizon: an asteroid bearing the mysterious substance called Neutronium is heading towards Earth. Players may power up Time Rifts to reach back to earlier turns to supply their past "self" with resources. At its core Anachrony is a worker placement game requiring the use of your various specialists and sometimes even Exosuits to protect your specialists. Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoqFAuunCcE&pp=ygUVaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgYW5hY2hyb255) a how to play video on youtube. Find [here](https://mindclashgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Anachrony-Essential-Edition-Rulebook-Single-Pages-websafe.pdf) the rulebook. Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.

Spring has sprung! Let's celebrate Earth Month by watching a documentary about our amazing planet. You voted! And we're watching.... * King Coal (2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RilYEH6BsIw Available on Kanopy (free with a library card) and Amazon Prime ***Make sure to watch the film ahead of time*** and come prepared to discuss. All films are available for free on Kanopy. We will not be screening the film at the meeting! What to expect the day of: * Please try to arrive on time * Meet new friends over some drinks & snacks (feel free to bring something to share!) * The host will lay some group rules and facilitate our discussion * Leave with some new insights and new friends! FYI - the free version of MeetUp limits me to 10 RSVPS, but if you're #1-5 on the waitlist please feel free to join us anyway.

# Stories That Matter Film Screening of "Deepfaking Sam Altman" Film screening, panel discussion, and Q&A **Register here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-that-matter-film-screening-of-deepfaking-sam-altman-tickets-1986940257798?aff=InviteSL#organizer-card ### Stories That Matter™ presents a special screening of the comedy documentary *Deepfaking Sam Altman,* followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with Emmy-nominated director Adam Bhala Lough and Emmy-winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne, who is also a Johns Hopkins alumnus. ### This lighthearted documentary takes a mind-bending, thought-provoking turn when confronted with the unintended consequences of AI and the ensuing ethical and legal minefield that hilariously unfolds. ### **PANELISTS INCLUDE:** • Adam Bhala Lough, director of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* • Luke Kelly-Clyne, producer of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* and head of studio for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat production company • Noel King, co-host and editorial director of Vox's *Today, Explained*, former host of NPR's flagship program, *Morning Edition*, and the popular podcast, *Up First* • Sig Libowitz, moderator and director of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Film and Media Program ### **WHEN:** Thursday, April 30 5:30 p.m. Check in 6:30 p.m. Program 8:20 p.m. Panel Discussion with Q&A 9:00 p.m. Event concludes ### **WHERE:** Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 ### **CHECK IN:** **•** A photo ID is required for entry. **•** Each attendee must have a ticket registered in their own name. If you reserved a ticket for someone else, please ensure their name and information are correctly entered. **•** A printed ticket is not needed. **•** Theater seating is first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early; overflow seating may be available. ### **ABOUT THE FILM:** The film follows Adam Bhala Lough, a father of two and a working Los Angeles filmmaker who represents the anxious everyman of the AI age. Adam has always believed in the promise of technology, until the arrival of AI threatens to upend his profession, his kids’ future, and possibly the fate of humanity itself. Adam wants to interview Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of AI. But Altman doesn’t return his calls. Or emails. Or DMs. Then a headline-grabbing Hollywood controversy sparks a new idea. Adam travels to the other side of the world, where he teams up with an Indian deepfake artist to build Sam Bot, an Altman-inspired AI trained on the voice and public appearances of the real man. Sharp, glitchy, and unexpectedly charismatic, Sam Bot becomes a creative foil and sidekick, reshaping the direction of Adam’s film and his understanding of human connection. A verité film with a sci-fi comedy twist, *Deepfaking Sam Altman* is a sharp, surprisingly moving exploration of how we navigate the chaotic new world of artificial intelligence.

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

Join us for Mercy of the Gods by James S. A. Corey. How humanity came to the planet called Anjiin is lost in the fog of history, but that history is about to end. The Carryx - part empire, part hive - have waged wars of conquest for centuries, destroying or enslaving species across the galaxy. Now, they are facing a great and deathless enemy. The key to their survival may rest with the humans of Anjiin. Caught up in academic intrigue and affairs of the heart, Dafyd Alkhor is pleased just to be an assistant to a brilliant scientist and his celebrated research team. Then the Carryx ships descend, decimating the human population and taking the best and brightest of Anjiin society away to serve on the Carryx homeworld, and Dafyd is swept along with them. They are dropped in the middle of a struggle they barely understand, set in a competition against the other captive species with extinction as the price of failure. Only Dafyd and a handful of his companions see past the Darwinian contest to the deeper game that they must play to learning to understand - and manipulate - the Carryx themselves. With a noble but suicidal human rebellion on one hand and strange and murderous enemies on the other, the team pays a terrible price to become the trusted servants of their new rulers. Dafyd Alkhor is a simple man swept up in events that are beyond his control and more vast than his imagination. He will become the champion of humanity and its betrayer, the most hated man in history and the guardian of his people. This is where his story begins.

**🦋 Speed Dating on Zoom – Personality Matched for Detroit Locals** 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. Ditch the apps. Meet Detroit singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with Detroit locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly. **Find your age group below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - ⚡ **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - ✨ **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) **⚠️ 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. --- 🎯 **Great fit for:** - 🎉 Singles in Detroit who want to meet people from home - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation 🔄 **What to expect** 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 Detroit locals. 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - 🎉 **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - 🎯 **Host:** Experienced host steering the session 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need experience?** Not at all. The host walks you through everything. **What if I'm shy?** --- ✨ Meet Detroit singles from home. Sign up and we'll take care of the rest. 💗 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Fast to read, easy to act on. 🤝 **Community angle** - The community matters as much as the session itself - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join We are building this around repeat faces, good energy, and a community that grows event by event.

**💕 Toledo Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** 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. Online speed dating for Toledo locals — hosted live on Zoom, personality matched. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with Toledo locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - ✨ **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - 💡 **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=circle-of-singles-connecting-in-person&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) **⚠️ 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. --- 🎯 **Great fit for:** - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Singles in Toledo who want to meet people from home - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - 🎉 **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - 🌍 **Host:** Professional host keeping the evening smooth and relaxed 🔄 **What to expect** 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 Toledo locals. 💡 **Tip:** Just be yourself. That's always the best approach. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Toledo locals tonight. 💗 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The community matters as much as the session itself - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly We are building this around repeat faces, good energy, and a community that grows event by event.