Shakespeare

[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.

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

This is the second and final part of our discussion series on Middlemarch by George Eliot. This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the entirety of Middlemarch. We will be reading books 5-8 and discussing the work as a whole. Participation in the first meeting is not required, anyone is welcome to join in. We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Discord group. Please message me to be added.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

Join us for an easy hike along the **Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls Park** and kick off your day with **great company** and engaging conversations! The trail is **mostly flat**, but a **246-foot incline within Great Falls Park** will give us a fun little cardio challenge. Don’t worry - we’ll pause at the top to regroup, hydrate, and catch our breath while soaking in the views. Whether you're here for the exercise, the scenery, or the chance to meet like-minded people, this hike has something for everyone! This trail is packed with sights: enjoy picturesque views along Difficult Run Stream and breathtaking overlooks of the Potomac River from up high. We’ll even come across a picnic table at the top of one incline, the perfect spot to rest, take in the view, and soak up some good vibes! Afterward, join us for an optional lunch at Mookie's BBQ to relax and unwind after our hike. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7). If you're running a bit late, you can catch up with us at the Difficult Run parking lot off Georgetown Pike - we’ll pass through about 30 minutes into the hike. **Distance:** 5 miles **Difficulty:** Easy (246 feet of elevation gain) This hike is rated Easy for its gentle terrain, wide paths, and manageable 246 feet of elevation gain. * **Easy Water Crossing:** Large stepping stones make the stream crossing simple and safe. * **No Rock Scrambling or Steep Climbs:** The trail has no steep rocky sections or scrambling required. * **Mild Inclines:** The mostly flat route includes a gentle 246 foot incline within Great Falls Park. **Pace:** Moderate Pace A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Plenty of parking is available. You can park off Route 683 by [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7) (be sure to park head-in, with your car clear of the street). Additional parking is on the shoulder of Kelso Road. The trailhead is at the intersection of Route 683 and Kelso Road, marked with a crosswalk. **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Difficult Run to Great Falls Park](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/difficult-run-from-683-23fa71c) **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Join us for an optional lunch after the hike at **Mookie's BBQ, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066**. It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind after our time outdoors!

Join our monthly writer meetup to share ideas, socialize, kick off your creativity, and write something! To find us, either take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, following the signs for the conference center. We'll be in room 401-A. All writer levels are welcome; we're all about building community and confidence. If you have any questions, please email us! (writingheptagon@gmail.com)

Let's get together to play some competitive quads and doubles volleyball. **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list. 2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers. 4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) 3. [Good doubles partner](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14weEw-P52XKx0P8K2l-ZOFtYU61wmfdkSkopbG5avro/) 4. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Actor/Comedian/Writer Nick Thune’s deadpan delivery and absurdist storytelling has made him a standout in the comedy world.

The topic for July is "Shoes" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander. MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc) SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs) SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8) SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!” THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember! PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening. PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website. PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music! TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/) Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

\*\*THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL CMG EVENT AND WILL NOT BE HOSTED. JUST A COOL EVENT FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED \*\* Join fellow film fans for a CMG Bonus Opportunity: a special 35th anniversary screening of HOOK featuring a Q&A and in-depth storytelling experience with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart. The HOOK screening will take place at the Columbus Museum of Art starting at 1pm followed by the Screenwriter Q&A! Cost is just $10 but limited availability to RSVP ASAP if you'd like to attend! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event! MOVIE DESCRIPTION: This 1991 fantasy-adventure classic follows an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten his childhood. In his new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful lawyer who neglects his wife and their two children. When his old archenemy, Captain Hook, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland to save them. The film serves as a sequel to J.M. Barrie’s classic novel. It is directed by Steven Spielberg, written by James V. Hart, and stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins and Maggie Smith! Keep an eye out for smaller roles from a young Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Phil Collins! The film is not just a beloved classic, it was also nominated for 5 Academy Awards! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-vwgt8cwEM EVENT DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a special 35th Anniversary screening of the beloved classic, HOOK. And to make the event extra special, stay after the screening for a live Q&A with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart, the writer behind Hook, Contact, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and more. This is a unique opportunity to experience a beloved film and hear directly from the writer behind it. Attendees will gain insight into the creative process, storytelling craft, and the journey from script to screen. Cost is just $10….but space is limited! RSVP: This will be an UNHOSTED EVENT. No host will be present. Just a cool opportunity and a fun event for those interested and able to attend! Your RSVP here just let's others know you’re going! Keep an eye out for one another or post your location to link up while you're there! To attend, click the link below and register for tickets (just $10): https://greatercolumbusartscouncil.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F47799 Enjoy, Dan

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

"Do as I say, not as I do." Children tend to have a built-in ability to recognize hypocrisy quicker than many adults, and there are few children who will respect an adult whose actions do not match his or her words. John the Baptizer wanted to make it clear that God himself is in NO way pleased by people who claim to follow Him and whose lives in NO way reflect His character. In fact, the Greek word for "actor" that people used in the first century is *"hypokrites"*. John called out the truth to any and all who would listen--from peasants to the king, even at peril of his own life and freedom--and insisted God does not judge by words alone, but by actions and in truth. Luke Chapter 3 concludes with making it clear to the Jewish and Greek readers of the day that Jesus was not only the rightful King of Israel, but also the true Son of Man--the Son of Adam, Who came to provide a way for those who had followed Adam into sin to return to fellowship with God. Take a look at Luke Chapter 3 and join us at **10 am,** **Sunday, June 28,** at **True Food Kitchen at Easton Town Center.** We'd love to see you there! Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbus-luke-3-tickets-1989802924110)! Check us out on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1657939185252324)! Connect with us at our new website for [LocalCA](http://%5Bwww.localca.org%5D(www.localca.org)/ "\[www.localca.org\](www.localca.org)")!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.