Ancient Aliens

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

For June, we'll be jetting off to Italy for a nightmare in translation with 20 Days of Turin by Giorgio De Maria. From Amazon: "Written during the height of the 1970s Italian domestic terror, a cult novel, with distinct echoes of Lovecraft and Borges, makes its English-language debut. In the spare wing of a church-run sanatorium, some zealous youths create "the Library," a space where lonely citizens can read one another’s personal diaries and connect with like-minded souls in "dialogues across the ether." But when their scribblings devolve into the ugliest confessions of the macabre, the Library’s users learn too late that a malicious force has consumed their privacy and their sanity. As the city of Turin suffers a twenty-day "phenomenon of collective psychosis" culminating in nightly massacres that hundreds of witnesses cannot explain, the Library is shut down and erased from history. That is, until a lonely salaryman decides to investigate these mysterious events, which the citizenry of Turin fear to mention. Inevitably drawn into the city’s occult netherworld, he unearths the stuff of modern nightmares: what’s shared can never be unshared. An allegory inspired by the grisly neo-fascist campaigns of its day, The Twenty Days of Turin has enjoyed a fervent cult following in Italy for forty years. Now, in a fretful new age of "lone-wolf" terrorism fueled by social media, we can find uncanny resonances in Giorgio De Maria’s vision of mass fear: a mute, palpitating dread that seeps into every moment of daily existence. With its stunning anticipation of the Internet―and the apocalyptic repercussions of oversharing―this bleak, prescient story is more disturbingly pertinent than ever. Brilliantly translated into English for the first time by Ramon Glazov, The Twenty Days of Turin establishes De Maria’s place among the literary ranks of Italo Calvino and beside classic horror masters such as Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft. Hauntingly imaginative, with visceral prose that chills to the marrow, the novel is an eerily clairvoyant magnum opus, long overdue but ever timely." Please note: this location is not wheelchair accessible. If this is an issue for us, please let us know! We welcome everyone.

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

A caravan of House Gilmann has been waylaid by dark forces. Signs point to an ancient lich's stronghold deep in the forests of the Border Kingdoms. Are you brave enough to meet the challenge? This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. This is a Tier 2 adventure, appropriate for both experienced and relatively new players. \*\**[Join us on Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurers League Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to:* *\- Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname;* *\- Confirming your age as 18 or older;* *\- Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players\.*

Get your tickets now at https://EMYDCSoiree.eventbrite.com The EMY Africa Soirée is a signature gathering that blends elegance, culture, and connection. Designed as a networking experience, it gathers past EMY Africa honorees, business leaders, cultural figures, and trailblazers from across the continent and its diaspora. Each edition creates a setting where influence meets intention and conversation drives connection. Set within the prestigious Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the EMY Africa Reception offers an extraordinary evening where culture, influence, and elegance converge. Surrounded by one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to African art and heritage, guests will experience an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to the continent's rich creative legacy. This exclusive soirée brings together an exceptional community of African and Diaspora leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and changemakers—offering a rare opportunity to network with the people shaping Africa's future and global influence. The evening features live African music and a live DJ, captivating cultural performances, a premium open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and gourmet African cuisine, all thoughtfully curated to create an immersive and elevated celebration of African excellence. More than a reception, this is an opportunity to be inspired, build meaningful connections, and experience Africa at its finest in one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic cultural settings.

✨ **An Evening of Reflection, Renewal and Awakening** ✨ Join us for a transformative evening of healing, connection, and self-discovery. Gathered in sacred space around the glow of the fire, we will journey together through meditations designed to ground, restore, and awaken the spirit to purpose and loving service. 🌿 **What to Expect** * Gentle, guided meditations (two new practices each gathering) * Heartfelt sharing in a safe, supportive circle * Space for authentic expression, deep listening, and mutual growth * Meaningful spiritual insights and uplifting discussion This is a gathering for anyone seeking peace, clarity, or community. All are welcome—simply bring an open mind and a respectful heart. 🔥 **When & Where** * We typically meet twice each month on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Come as often—or as little—as your spirit calls. * Weather permitting, we gather outdoors in the tipi or by the large fire circle. If needed, we will move indoors. * 💫 **For First-Time Visitors** * No prior experience is needed. * Please arrive **15 minutes early** to settle in. * You are welcome to walk the grounds or explore our crystal shop before the circle begins. 📍 **Directions** * Address: **15406 Riding Stable Rd.** (property is at the end of a ½ mile driveway into the woods). * You will cross a small stream—drive slowly (under 10 MPH) to keep dust down. * Please be mindful of our neighbors and do not stop to interact with horses along the way. * 💖 **Energy Exchange** To help keep this gathering accessible, we invite an offering of **$15–$25**. If you feel called to contribute in another way, please reach out in advance. With love and gratitude, we welcome you into this circle of renewal.

[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...

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

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

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.

📱 **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.* 🚀

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.

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.