Battlestar Galactica

Come for a delicious Hawker style Vietnamese meal and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Living Sustainably”, exploring all facets of personal sustainability - physical, intellecutual and spiritual. We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Everyone is invited to positively contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed)** Play a fantasy story with a small group. Make choices. Solve problems. Work together. It’s fun, social, and easy because its hosted by a storyteller. **What is this Event** This is a beginner-friendly D&D game. You don’t need to know anything. Most people are new. We teach as we play. **Small groups (limited spots**) Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants. 12–18 total spots in total. If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive Most people come alone You will not be the only one. **What you’ll do** Play a character in a fantasy story Make choices with your group Talk, explore, and solve problems Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans) Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network. **What you don’t need to worry about** You don't need to know rules new people won't slow the group down Don't need to bring anything We guide you the whole way (< why this works) **Who this is for** You work a 9–5 and want to meet new people after work or on weekends. You enjoy fantasy stories, books or games You want to try dungeons and dragons You want a curated story games night that will be the highlight of your week. **Frequently Asked Questions... 🕵️‍♂️** **Won't everyone else already know each other?** The only people who know each other are the Dungeon Masters leading each table. We don't allow groups to attend these nights, so at most there is a duo coming who already know each other. Everyone and you are super new to this. **Will I be the only girl at the event?** No, our events are generally 3:1 ratio, most tables I have seen are 2 girls and 4 guys. no promises on any individual night, but you'll find it doesn't impact your enjoyment. **I'm worried I might slow everyone else down?** Not true, pre-filled character sheets take much of the guess work out of learning the game, and the GMs have all taught tens to hundreds of people this game. *The only thing you'll want to remember is the "D20", a twenty sided dice is always used to resolve actions, whether it's picking a pocket, striking a wicked goblin or recalling history on a forgotten ruin.* *Ok, your basically ready now. seriously.* Don't believe me? Come and find out for yourself. **I'm worried I might be too old/too young for this?** so here's what you'll want to know. we usually see attendees anywhere from 19-49 years of age. normally it's 25-35ish as we often curate out events for young professionals and established professionals working locally. But I'll say this: if you get along with a mature audience of respectful people who can collaborate together - you're in for a good time. **Session** 3-hour(ish) game Run by experienced Dungeon Master 2–3 tables each nigh our game roster may include *Dawn's Call* – Heroic Thriller Adventure about Hope *Isle of the Grav*e – Mystery, and survival and fe *The Cost of Ascensio*n – Power, trust, and betraya **Before the event** You may get a message from the organiser Please reply to keep your spot **Attendance policy** Cancel early if you can’t make i No-shows or late cancels may lose future spot **Donation** We take small donations to support the event and our hosts **Dinner** Some of us like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chats

## [⭐](https://emojipedia.org/star)[🏐](https://emojipedia.org/volleyball)Welcome to our Volleyball Days community[🏐](https://emojipedia.org/volleyball)[⭐](https://emojipedia.org/star)### This event is an open gymnasium for 3 hours of pick up volleyball. Bring friends or come alone. This is a great place to socialise and meet new people and play volleyball. 📢\*\*Open to all levels. Attendees normally come from different groups so numbers won't be represented properly on this platform. Please click attending so we know roughly how many to expect from meetup Thanks for checking out our community :) We currently run multiple open gym sessions a week 1. Monday 8-1030 PM @ Nunawading Christian College 2. Wednesday 7-10 PM @ Waverley Christian College 3. Thursday 5:30-8 PM @ Waverley Christian College 4. Friday 7-10PM @ Templestowe College 5. Saturday 11:15 AM-1:30 @ Waverley Christian College 6. Saturday 7-10 PM @ Waverley Christian College 7. Saturday 7-10 PM @ Templestowe College 8. Sunday 3:30-6:30 PM @ Templestowe College We also run social competitions in the local area which you can sign up via our website: [https://volleyballdays.com/](https://volleyballdays.com/) You can also find out more about us on our socials: IG [https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_days/](https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_days/) FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/696596697166901](https://www.facebook.com/groups/696596697166901) FB Group Training [https://www.facebook.com/groups/volleyball.days.training](https://www.facebook.com/groups/volleyball.days.training) FB Girls Training [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1589458368554545](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1589458368554545) FB page [https://www.facebook.com/volleyballdays](https://www.facebook.com/volleyballdays) YT [https://www.youtube.com/@volleyballdays/featured](https://www.youtube.com/@volleyballdays/featured)

## ✨ KISMETRIX \| The Valhalla Experience [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/june-20-kismetrix-elegant-singles-night-valhalla-bar-melbourne-cbd-tickets-1989538049864) ### Elegant Singles Night — Back by Popular Demand 📍 **Valhalla Bar (Basement, Olderfleet Building)** 477 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 📅 **Saturday, 20 June 2026** 🕖 **7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Hosted)** 🥂 **Welcome Drink Included on Arrival** ### AN ELEGANT NIGHT FOR PEOPLE WHO STILL BELIEVE IN REAL CONNECTION Some nights feel different the moment you walk in. The lighting. The energy. The conversations that don’t feel forced. After an incredible response and a sold-out March event, KISMETRIX returns to Valhalla — one of Melbourne’s most beautifully hidden underground cocktail bars — for another refined evening designed for genuine connection. No interviews across tiny tables. No chaotic nightclub energy. No pressure to perform. Just attractive, grounded people meeting naturally in a space designed for conversation, chemistry, and presence. This is for those who miss the feeling of meeting someone properly. ### WHY PEOPLE LOVED VALHALLA Hidden beneath Melbourne’s iconic Olderfleet Building, Valhalla offers a completely different atmosphere to most singles events. Warm lighting. Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Beautiful cocktails. A room that encourages conversation instead of competing with it. It feels intimate without being awkward. Elegant without being pretentious. Social without feeling exhausting. And that’s exactly why people asked us to bring it back. ### WHAT TO EXPECT 🥂 A complimentary welcome drink on arrival ✨ A carefully hosted evening with warm introductions 🖤 A sophisticated crowd focused on genuine connection 🎶 Ambient atmosphere where you can actually hear each other speak 🍸 Additional cocktails, wine and bar snacks available throughout the night 🤝 Natural mingling — no forced speed dating rotations Our hosts will be there throughout the evening to help create a relaxed, welcoming flow and help ease introductions where appropriate. ### WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR KISMETRIX events are designed for people who value: • Real-life connection over endless swiping • Emotional maturity and good conversation • Intentional social experiences • Quality energy and respectful interaction • Meeting people in a more natural environment You do not need to be extroverted to enjoy this night. Many guests come solo. ### AGE GROUPS To help create a balanced social atmosphere, tickets are released across two overlapping age groups: • **30–48** • **38–60** Guests receive colour-coded name tags on arrival to help facilitate smoother introductions throughout the evening. (Please note: age ranges are guidelines only. We prioritise overall crowd balance and energy.) ### [YOUR TICKET INCLUDES](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/june-20-kismetrix-elegant-singles-night-valhalla-bar-melbourne-cbd-tickets-1989538049864) Get your ticket [here ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/june-20-kismetrix-elegant-singles-night-valhalla-bar-melbourne-cbd-tickets-1989538049864) ✔ Entry to KISMETRIX \| Elegant Singles Night at Valhalla ✔ Complimentary welcome drink on arrival ✔ Hosted experience throughout the evening ✔ Access to one of Melbourne’s most unique hidden venues ✔ A thoughtfully curated social atmosphere designed for connection ### A NOTE ABOUT KISMETRIX KISMETRIX is not built around pressure, games, or superficial interaction. We create experiences for people seeking something more meaningful — whether that becomes friendship, romance, community, or simply a memorable night surrounded by good people. Our events are intentionally designed to feel welcoming, safe, and human. Because genuine connection still matters. ### SAFE SPACE & RESPECT POLICY KISMETRIX is committed to creating emotionally safe, respectful environments for everyone attending. By attending, guests agree to: • Treat others with kindness and respect • Honour personal boundaries • Engage authentically and respectfully • Contribute to a positive atmosphere free from harassment or inappropriate behaviour Our hosts are available throughout the evening should any guest require support. KISMETRIX reserves the right to refuse entry or remove attendees to protect the safety and comfort of our community. Full Code of Conduct: [www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct](http://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct "http://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct") ### LAST EVENT SOLD OUT If this event speaks to you, don’t wait too long. Some of the best moments in life begin with simply deciding to show up. 🎟 Secure your ticket now. \-\-\- Hosted by KISMETRIX \| True Connection 🌐 **[www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** [📧 ](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")**[social@kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** 📱 Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/ "https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/"), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523") & [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353 "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353")** 📄 **Important Notice:**By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s[ Terms & Conditions](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/"),[ Privacy Policy](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/"),[ Disclaimer](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/") and [Code of Conduct](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/").Some events may be non-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions.🤝 Collaborations: **collabs@kismetrix.com.au**

[Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) Sunshine forecast! Spontaneous day trip to Mount William (Grampians’ tallest peak)! Very short notice! These are always fun! Over 70 road trips done in 5 years! I run 3 Meetup groups (shown on my profile). All are part of my second passion project. This road trip is for people new to Australia who have not been to this location (International Students, Working Holiday Makers and tourists)! No evidence is required. I will trust you! **Details given below in sections: (1) Questions / (2) Road trip itinerary / (3) Payment / (4) Responsibility / (5) Breaks / (6) Weather / (7) Phone charging / (8) Contact** **\-\-\- \(1\) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS \-\-\-** **Your questions for me:** Why is the total fee so low at $20, covering a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver, on something that seems really high quality and well planned, like a private tour company? Sounds too good to be true or that there is a catch. Is this genuine? **My answers to you:** Because this project is my community service to give back. I explain this further below. The low fee is just a formality to confirm your place, so that I know you are serious on attending. This is genuine. Over 70 road trips done in 5 years! I have created precious memories for many people new to Australia. Photos on Instagram link further above. **\-\-\- \(2\) ROAD TRIP SUMMARY AND ITINERARY \-\-\-** Day trip to Mount William (Grampians’ tallest peak). This is a special part of the Grampians, which itself is part of one of the greatest mountain ranges on Earth! **Itinerary: Lake Burrumbeet - Ararat lookout - Halls Gap - Lake Bellfield - Mount William - Ararat lookout encore - freeway hillside lookout** **Meeting point: Fed Square, 8:45 am**. Back there by **8:45 pm**. Meet by the steps (main entrance, opposite the Swanston Street tram stop). **\-\-\- \(3\) PAYMENT \-\-\-** **Total fee: $20 in total (no other costs). This covers a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver.** **Eventbrite link for payment:** [https://mtwilliam-road-trip.eventbrite.com.au](https://mtwilliam-road-trip.eventbrite.com.au/) **Cancellations:** If I cancel the road trip for any unforeseen issues, a full refund will be given. If you cancel, there is no refund. **Why is the fee so low?** The low fee is just a formality. It might sound too good to be true or that there is a catch. There is no catch. I am simply someone who has been giving back for many years. I playfully call this project a “Melbourne travel secret”! There are people in this world who want to genuinely give back without any expectations because they are truly fulfilled and grateful for what they have. I am one of those people. This is my community service. I am not doing this for money and I never have. Money cannot buy passion. The nature of majestic Australia helped me find peace and passion and I want to give back by sharing that inspiring nature with people new to this country. If they are also inspired by that nature, then that is my reward. There is no hidden agenda in doing this project. The reason I am being quite upfront is because in this day and age, there is always a catch when people do something like this. There is none with me and I am not selling or promoting anything. I do not need anything because I have peace, passion and fulfilment. I have everything. I am truly humbled and grateful. Photos from road trips are on Instagram link below: [Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) **\-\-\- \(4\) RESPONSIBILITY\, LIABILITY\, SAFETY \-\-\-** As your driver, I am responsible and liable for your safety while we are in the vehicle. Passengers are insured as per the Australian law. For times we are outside the vehicle, we then become responsible for our own liability and safety, just like every other capable adult in society. **\-\-\- \(5\) BREAKS/MEALS \-\-\-** There will be many breaks for sightseeing/walks. I will stop at places where food/snacks will be sold but you are welcome to bring your own as well. There will be a lunch break at either a cafe or takeaway shop. **\-\-\- \(6\) WEATHER AND WHAT TO WEAR \-\-\-** I plan events when weather looks good but please also see itinerary for location details and check the forecast to dress accordingly. My advice is to always be prepared! Recommend to have something to cover you if rain suddenly appears or if winds suddenly get cool. Also recommend to carry sunscreen and a hat. Please also wear good, comfortable shoes that can provide protection from water (in case there are muddy areas). You can bring many things, as the vehicle will have a lot of storage space. My road trips do not have a lot of long walks. The focus is on sightseeing, relaxing and appreciating the beauty of nature. **\-\-\- \(7\) PHONE CHARGING \-\-\-** Please charge your phone before joining. In the past, people have taken lots of videos and photos and used up their batteries! You can bring your charging cable if you want. The vehicle will have various charging ports. **\-\-\- \(8\) CONTACT \-\-\-** If you need to contact me, please reach out through Meetup, Eventbrite or Instagram. If you wanted my mobile number, please let me know.

**Join us for a small group Writing Workshop led by a published author, where you can unleash your creativity and improve your writing skills.** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $30, strictly limited to 20 seats Your ticket includes $20 food & drinks credit $10 goes to the venue the help cover costs. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbourneWriters.eventbrite.com.au) Bring your favourite pen and some paper, or a laptop if you prefer. This session is an exercise-based working session designed to improve your writing and give you (optional) feedback from your peers. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. $20 of your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day. No self-promotion allowed. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use Public transport or Rideshare. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. #writers #writing #screenwriting #scriptwriting #shortstories #novels #creativewriting #critiquegroup #fiction #nonfiction #readings #authors #melbournewriters #melbournewriter #melbournetodo

Hi all, Welcome to the June Paranormal Book Club!! If you love books that are lighter and fluffier to read, with supernatural elements (magic, vampires, werewolves, etc.) then you will enjoy this group. After book club we head off and become a tourist in our own city, by attending an exhibition or some other cultural activity. For June, we are going to meet at Time Out Fed Square for book club, then head up to the State Library to visit the Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations exhibition: [Rebel Heart: Love letters and other declarations | State Library Victoria](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/rebel-heart-love-letters-and-other-declarations) The books for Sunday 21 June 2026 are: Can't Spell Treason without Tea by Rebecca Thorne [Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes & Tea, #1) by Rebecca Thorne | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61753288-can-t-spell-treason-without-tea) Cinder House by Freya Marske [Cinder House by Freya Marske | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376570-cinder-house) Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman [Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236064352-red-star-rebels) If you would like to look at all the books that we have read so far, click [here](https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am2wjNpl1c1ijCNvt-hrWM8gPaem?e=riV48x). Finally, if you can't make it, please change your RSVP to a NO. Spaces are limited, so it will give other people a chance to attend. Happy reading until then!! 🤓

It's Jugger time! Get on down to Hawthorn for fun, sun, exercise, and silly shenanigans! * ✅ Free to attend * ⚔️ Jugger Equipment is supplied * 🍜 Post-training social lunch - all welcome * ➡️ [Find us on Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) Jugger is an exciting, mixed-gender soft combat sport. Two teams use a selection of padded foam spars to tag opponents as they aim to put the jugg (the game ball) into their opponent's goal. **Watch Jugger being played in [this excellent short demo video](https://vimeo.com/28592980).** Jugger Melbourne training sessions include both full games of jugger, as well as a variety of training drills designed to promote **teamwork, communication, exercise, health and fitness, and teach core game skills.** After training we head across to Glenferrie Rd for lunch and socializing, which you are welcome (and encouraged!) to join. **‍🏃‍♀️‍➡️ New Player Info / Who Can Join** New players are always welcome! Our experienced coaches will teach you basics to get you and and swinging in no time Jugger is easy to pickup the basics while deep to master. We have a minimum age policy of 16 years (please note, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), but other than that we welcome anyone of all fitness levels. Jugger is a great way to keep active, and a fun way to meet new people in a friendly and inclusive community! **👟 How to Join a Session and What to Bring** Joining is simple - just show up! RSVPing on Meetup or Discord is a big help as it helps us plan around expected numbers. You are also welcome to bring along any interested friends and family. **⚔️ Jugger equipment is supplied.** We have a collection of gear to loan out to new players. Bring a water bottle (there is a tap nearby), sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for running around in - and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty! Recommend but not required items include: sunglasses, football boots, kneepads, and gloves if you have them. You don't need any of these to get started, but you may find you want them if you become a regular. **✅ Are there any costs are involved?** Our training sessions are **free to attend** as often as you like, we are essentially just a group of friends that meet for training and socializing on the weekend. The Australian Jugger League has a voluntary annual membership that helps to support the sport (including maintaining equipment and paying for Meetup), and we encourage people to join once they become a regular attendee or begin attending tournaments. However there's no obligation so spend any money when you're first trying it out or just attending casually. **➡️ External Links** We organise our regular players through our Discord group and their attendance is not often represented in the Meetup attendance numbers (we use Meetup to reach out to new people). Events are also (though less regularly) posted to Facebook, while event photos and videos are shared on our Instagram. * [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) * [Jugger Melbourne on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JuggerMelbourne) * [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jugger_melbourne/) * [Australian Jugger League website](https://www.jugger.au/) \*\* See you on Sunday \*\*

**What if psychical abilities (psi) can be cultivated in earlier life?** What are the implications for modern society and our perception of the world? A new theory based on entropy and perception may hold the answers... After 70+ years of controlled studies into psychical phenomena, scholars still lack a cohesive theory of what makes them possible.... **In this presentation, Dr Alex De Foe** draws on his 15+ years of research to model psi as an emergent lifespan experience - understanding it in relation to neural development and entropy, experiences often reported by children. Drawing upon the "free energy model" in perception and social neuroscience, Alex will make the case for cultivation of psi in pivotal states of consciousness. Part 2 will focus on experiential analysis to support the argument, including case studies and a short practice task called 'Image Streaming' that engages aspects of the mind at the periphery of experience. **Image Streaming** is a technique that bridges the divide between the conscious, unconscious, and super-conscious mind, related to Michael Thalbourne's concept of 'transliminality', in which material flows between these dimensions of mind seamlessly. **Case studies will be presented from:** * Research into out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and lucid dreams * A new theory on archetypes and the collective unconscious * Speculative accounts at the bridge between spiritual emergence and spiritual 'emergency' **About Dr. Alexander De Foe (PhD, M Couns):** * Academic at Monash University (2021-2026). * Runs a research program on mindfulness/consciousness * At RMIT University (2016-2021), he managed a virtual reality lab focusing on embodied cognition and social neuroscience. * Published over 30 peer-reviewed studies/papers on consciousness, perception, and general psychology. * Chair of the Australian Centre for Consciousness Studies * Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research * Associate Editor at the Anthropology of Consciousness Journal. **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** NOTE: TRYING OUT NEW LUNCH VENUE... Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at **Gopal's Restaurant** (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

Welcome and thanks for stopping by! **What is Otakusphere?** Otakusphere is Melbourne's newest anime, gaming and pop culture club. A place for geeks, nerds, weebs and all manner of other passionate individuals to get together, share their interests and meet some new people. This is OSs first event, and we've got some big plans in place for growth; trivia, cosplay, shopping, food and so much more. Come be a part of an amazing group of people and find your next favourite movie, anime series, cosplay inspiration or best-friend-forever! **What is involved?** This event is intended as a **casual hangout,** aimed at providing an introduction to prospective and existing members of OS. Agenda is basically: * Meet some new and old friends * Bring some boardgames and have a game * Food and drinks * Chat about all things anime, gaming and pop culture! Ticket includes a complimentary beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from the Fortress Bar under a limited selection. Come get a token on arrival and enjoy! **Where to find us?** * Table will be marked by a pair of plush birds. * Pull up a chair and don't be shy! * Fortress is a licenced venue. Photo ID/Proof of Age may be required on entry. **What if the event is full?** Due to limitations with the Fortress booking, ***no drop ins are permitted***. If you wish to join in but no places are available, join the waitlist. If enough are pending entry, the event may be expanded before the start time and extra availability will be released. Interest will be considered to make larger reservations in the future :) **Discord** All major communication and community chat happens on the OS Discord server, so come connect and say Hi :) https://discord.gg/AEkT4BqtHw

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.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.

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 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. Possible pre-show bite. That part will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan