Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Let’s kick things off with Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross! For our first meeting, we’ll be trying out The Square as a gathering spot. I’ll plan to get there a little early to grab a table. Synopsis: *Dear Matilda,* **I wrote.** I let the words flow for her. And when the ink dried, I gave my very heart **to the fire.** Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic she uses to carry words and letters through the realms. But the gods will kill for power, and Matilda holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest allies. And there is a mortal who dreams of her, though they have never met in the waking world. Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. His request went unanswered, and Vincent became a hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda . . . until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him. Matilda and Vincent were fated to find each other beyond dreams. But to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, Matilda will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: finally allowing herself to be loved.

Starting Thursday, May 21, I'm running a weekly Proxy Cube draft in DC. **Cubes:** * [100 Ornithopters](https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/100-ornithopters?view=primer) : a normal-feeling cube with one twist: the only creatures are 100 copies of Ornithopter. No tokens, no creature lands, and no way to deal damage to your opponent that doesn't somehow involve Ornithopter. * **Modern Cube:** a straightforward Modern-format cube. **Details:** * **What:** Proxy Cube draft (2 cubes to begin with) * **Where:** As You Are, 500 8th St SE, Washington DC * **When:** Thursdays, 6:30 PM, starting May 21 * **Format:** Multiple pods, scales with attendance * **Entry:** $5–$10 suggested donation, with proceeds going to a local community fridge project More info at [capitalcube.club](http://capitalcube.club/) (reserve a spot) All skill levels welcome.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

In this series of game sessions to occur approximately every two weeks or according to the preference of interested players, games will be chosen that are not in the BGG top 100 All Games listing. As you RSVP include the name(s) of one or more games from the below list that you would be interested in playing. A strict minimum of 3+ players is required, otherwise the event date will be cancelled. The meeting space is my home near Port Potomac off of US-1 South of Woodbridge where there is a dedicated game room with two large tables than can easily accomodate three games depending on the foot print of the games. Depending on the feedback in the RSVP responses one or more games will be selected and announced at least 48 hours in advance of the planned event. Suggestions that are listed here are 25 games I own that fall just outside the All Games top 100 BGG listing: #296: Tapestry - 1 to 5 player #280: Near and Far - 2 to 4 player #259: Ticket to Ride - 2 to 5 player #243: Splendor - 2 to 4 player #242: Horrified - 1 to 5 player #241: Railways of the World - 2 to 6 player #238: Carcassonne - 2 to 5 player #235: Go - 2 player #230: Cosmic Encounter - 3 to 5 player #228: Descent Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) - 1 to 5 player #221: War of the Ring - 2 to 4 player #220: Memoir '44 - 2 player/team #209: Earth - 1 to 5 player #191: Istanbul - 2 to 5 player #171: Pandemic - 1 to 4 player #163: The 7th Continent - 1 to 4 player #150: Twilight Imperium: Third Edition - 3 to 6 player #143: The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth - 1 to 5 player #138: Caylus - 2 to 5 player #137: Eldritch Horror - 1 to 8 player #136: Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon - 1 to 4 player #119: Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on the Cursed Island - 1 to 4 player #117: 7 Wonders - 2 to 7 player #115: Search for Planet X - 1 to 4 player #112: Beyond the Sun - 2 to 4 player #105: Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy - 1 to 6 player New players are welcome and may request a tutorial if needed. Also see the alternate Meetup series featuring games that I own that are in the All Games top 100 BGG listing.

Today we are Steve's Lab. RSVP and you'll be sent the location. It's in Silver Spring. ***Join us for an evening in an electronics lab where we will attempt to run clean scans of graphene and gold samples, and then clean up that data with post processing.*** This is a high sensitivity experiment, and we do not plan on being successful so early. But we've had promising results lately - so we will be putting in the time. We are NOT meeting at our usual location, but rather at Steve's house/lab. If you RSVP, you will get a DM with the address but it's located in Silver Spring. We will attempt full, clean lab - clean tip repeated scanning tests to see what we can learn and improve. We will experiment with online attendees, but if all possible showing up in person is strongly encouraged. Online join link is: - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We will be publishing our work here -[ https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda](https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda) If you need a ride, let us know.

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

Join the Bitcoin District Book Club! We meet every month to explore new and exciting rabbit holes by reading books that are popular with bitcoiners. Join us for a deep dive into *The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy* by Stephanie Kelton. In this session, we’ll explore one of the most controversial and influential economic ideas of the past decade—and what it means for government spending, inflation, taxation, and the future of money. Kelton challenges the conventional view that governments must balance their budgets like households. Drawing on the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), she argues that countries that issue their own currency are not constrained by tax revenue or borrowing in the same way individuals, businesses, or local governments are. Instead, the real limits on government spending are inflation and the availability of real-world resources. We'll discuss the core claims of MMT, including whether deficits are actually harmful, why governments issue bonds, the role taxes play in the economy, and how policymakers should think about public investment. We'll also examine the major criticisms of MMT and consider how Kelton's ideas relate to Bitcoin, sound money, inflation, and fiscal policy. Whether you view MMT as a revolutionary framework or a dangerous justification for endless money printing, *The Deficit Myth* provides one of the clearest explanations of the ideas shaping modern debates about deficits, inflation, and government spending. For those interested in economics, monetary systems, public policy, and competing visions of how money works, this book offers a provocative challenge to many widely held assumptions. Buy the book on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/0jgks9ZG) **Event Notes:** * Discussion Starters: We'll kick things off with a few key questions around deficits, inflation, government spending, and Modern Monetary Theory, but feel free to bring your own perspectives. * Future Reads: Let us know if you have recommendations for future book club selections! We'll add them to the list posted [on our website](https://bitcoindistrict.org/bookclub). * Afterwards: Feel free to join us at PubKey after the meeting to hang out, continue the conversation, and grab some food! **Getting There:** * 📍 Teaism – Penn Quarter * 🔴🟢🟡 Gallery Place/Chinatown + 2 min walk * Parking: Street & garage parking available nearby

[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)[ ](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

We love a chill, laid back party. It’s about building real community - bringing blerds together in a space where we can connect, unwind, and actually be in the room with each other. If you’ve been wanting more in-person energy, this is that. What’s going down: * Games on deck (PS5 + Nintendo Switch available) * Bring your own favorites! * Board games, cards, controllers, whatever you’re into. * DJ’ing by our very own MC Brooks! * Good people. Good energy. Good vibes. Food & Drinks: * Hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs provided * Bring snacks or something to share if you want * BYOB (come prepared) but we’ll provide ice and mixers. Details: 📍 Waldorf, MD (exact address provided after RSVP) * Saturday, June 27th * 4PM until * Hosted by Tyler May * (friendly, sweet dog lives on premises) Parking: * First come, first served * Additional street parking available!

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.

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.

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

It’s time for the groups first social event, Game Day! We will be playing a mix of board games, card games, possibly Jackbox TV games, and beyond. The games will be more relaxed & beginner friendly, this is a time to have fun and get to know each other! I’ll be providing pizza, let know if you’d like to contribute any snacks or refreshments ◡̈ Also feel free to message me if you’d like to suggest any games. If you’ve been thinking about attending book club this is the perfect time to join in. This is not the monthly Book Club meeting where we discuss the voted on book, that is on July 25th. Please reach out to me here or on instagram ( LitterallyEmily ) with any questions.

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

Join us for an Opening Night showing of the super-hero action-adventure, SUPERGIRL! Get in early because this series is just getting started! Hot on the heels of last year’s excellent SUPERMAN comes what should be another fun adventure! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Ana Nogueira, and stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet and Jason Momoa. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1-pfiVMKAs MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:40 and 6:50pm! It’s in their largest theater on their biggest screen but advance ticket purchase is advised for this Opening Night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. DINNER PLAN: For this event, we’ll go meet for a pre-show bite at nearby EL VAQUERO! If you’d like to join for dinner, please arrive at 5:15pm and ask for the Movie Group! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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!