Ancient Aliens

[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.

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: Salsa With Silvia (Bethesda) – Studio B ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $12 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

This is our second meeting to discuss **Jules Verne’s** timeless adventure, **Journey to the Centre of the Earth.** We'll be discussing chapters 16-31. We'll always keep a relaxed pace of about 70–100 pages per week so there is plenty of time to enjoy the story before we gather over coffee, tea, or wine. **Location:** Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park **RSVP Deadline:** Wednesday, June 17th (so we can give the venue an accurate headcount) Logistics for the Meetup **Venue courtesy:** Please start a tab at the bar for any food or refreshments. We kindly ask that everyone purchase at least one beverage (coffee, smoothie, wine, etc.) to thank our hosts for providing the meeting space. **The Book Edition:** Warning: Because there are many heavily altered translations of this book, we highly recommend purchasing the Oxford World's Classics edition. It features the complete 45 chapters so we can all stay on the same page! You can order the book from our host Busboys and Poets [at this link.](https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-extraordinary-journeys-journey-to-the-centre-of-the-earth-jules-verne/1aafdcac17641bfe?ean=9780199538072&next=t) RSVP to reserve your spot, and feel free to ask questions. Your RSVP helps our host plan for space to accommodate everyone. Can't wait to read with you!

♠️ Last Saturday Spades in Silver Spring! ♠️ 🌟 In Downtown Silver Spring 🕕 6:00pm to 10:00pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Nearby Parking in Wayne Ave. Garage 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 6:00pm! RSVP today.

**Better World Concert - Special Event!** *** **SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON FRIDAY, JUNE 26?** What: Join us to kick-off a FREE musical concert celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday. It will be an evening of inspiration...listening...dancing (if you feel so moved) to the best of contemporary hip hop with award-winning rapper Colby Jeffers. In this concert theme to build a Better World, he calls for us to rise up together —as one people and one nation — and build a more perfect union. The talented musical duo Xolani and Katherine will start things off with very fine music that won’t disappoint. **Doors open at 7pm with complimentary pizza and refreshments.** **Come early and walk the outdoor labyrinth! (Located near the front entrance.)** **This event is free and open to the public.** **When: 7pm** **Friday, June 26, 2026** **Where: *Unity of Fairfax*** **2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA** **Free Parking: on site.** **Who: This event is sponsored by Virginia Family Medicine, Milani MedSpa, and Baha’is Fairfax** **NW.** For more information and to RSVP Contact: news01@gmail.com (Please include your name along and number of people attending.)

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

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

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

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

**Educational Forum Topic:** Learn about Endangered Freshwater Mussels and how to help protect the Darby Watershed. The occurrence of a wide variety of mussels is one reason the Big Darby Creek is so outstanding and why its protection is so important. The City of Columbus has been pushing a new Accord due to pressures for increased development in the watershed region. Learn more here: [https://protectthedarby.org/](https://protectthedarby.org/) **When:** Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9am-12noon **Location:** Battelle Darby Metropark, Indian Ridge picnic area parking lot. At the base of the hill, park at the second parking lot near the restrooms with a kiosk next to it. **Itinerary:** 9:00-10:00am: Endangered freshwater mussels talk. 10:00-12:00noon: 4-mile loop hike on Terrace Trail and Ancient Trail **What to Bring:** Wear cool, comfortable clothing for hiking, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen and water. **Restrictions:** No pets allowed on the trails. **Event speaker:** Elaine Hall, Assistant Resource Manager & Darby Watershed Coordinator with Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, will lead a discussion focused on endangered freshwater mussels found in Big Darby Creek. Following the forum, volunteers will lead the group on a roughly 4-mile hike beginning with Terrace Trail and continuing on the Ancient Trail, leading back to the parking lot. Register at: [https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2) **Contact:** Ginny Roedig, 440-497-9876 cell, 440-257-3281 landline, Roedig5@msn.com email.

📱 **Build a Viral AI Content Brand – Faceless Influencer Blueprint** Launch a content brand that grows on autopilot using AI-generated media. ⚠️ Complete registration to confirm your seat. RSVP is not enough. ### [🔗 CLAIM YOUR PLACE](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=network-of-book-lovers-and-discussion-meetups&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-30T22:00:00Z) --- What you'll create: - A monetisation path from day one - AI tools to generate, edit, and post content automatically - A content system that grows on autopilot *Your brand. Your rules. No face needed.* 🚀

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.