Pro-Choice

On Wednesday 8th of April, public rallies and other events are taking place around the world in support of greater funding for research into longer healthy lifespans. [The Fund Longevity website](https://fundlongevity.org/en/why/) makes the case as follows: ***Aging Is a Problem***: Aging kills around 110,000 people every day. It is the primary risk factor behind nearly all major non-infectious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond statistics, aging causes decades of frailty, pain, and loss of independence. It is the greatest source of human suffering that is being accepted as "normal". ***This Is Personal***: Everyone you love will age, suffer, and die because of it. So will you. If we had the ability to prevent this, choosing not to would be deeply unethical. If we can stop aging, we should. ***Stopping Aging Is Possible***: Aging is not a mystery or a force of nature. It is a biological process — and biological processes can be studied, modified, and treated. Over the past decades, scientists have identified many of the core mechanisms that drive aging at the cellular and molecular level. While our understanding is incomplete, it is already sufficient to begin developing real therapies. ***What Do We Mean by "Stopping Aging"?*** We mean treating aging as a medical condition. The goal is to restore and maintain youthful biological function — roughly equivalent to being in your twenties — for as long as you choose. This would prevent or reverse age-related diseases instead of treating them one by one. ***Is This Really Realistic?*** Yes. Thousands of scientists have publicly stated that aging is a solvable problem in the [Dublin Longevity Declaration](https://dublinlongevitydeclaration.org/). Research already shows that aging can be slowed, paused, or reversed in laboratory organisms. Some animals exhibit negligible aging or extreme longevity. Nature has already demonstrated that aging is avoidable — humans simply haven't applied these solutions to ourselves yet. ***Is It Difficult?*** Extremely. Reversing aging in humans will likely be more difficult than landing on the Moon. It will require entirely new biotechnologies and breakthroughs that don't exist yet. We will need to remove senescent cells, repair or replace damaged tissues, and solve many other problems we don't fully understand. This is one of the most difficult challenges humanity has ever faced, but just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible. Many scientists agree that there are no fundamental laws of physics that prohibits stopping aging. Nature has done it in several animals already, like the hydra. ***What's Missing?*** Scale. Today, fewer than a thousand people worldwide are seriously working on solving aging — researchers, biotech founders, and advocates combined. That number needs to grow by at least 1000×. There is no major government agency dedicated to ending aging. Funding is fragmented. Regulation is outdated. Public urgency is nearly nonexistent. This will not change on its own. ***Why We Act***: Aging is the largest cause of death and suffering on Earth. Solving it requires a society-wide effort — scientific, political, and cultural. That's why we organize. That's why we demonstrate. That's why we demand action. Join us — and help make aging optional for humans and animals.\* == London Futurists gathering on 8th April == The arguments for greater funding for longevity science are strong - but at least a dozen arguments are often raised in opposition to such funding. In our gathering in *Ye Olde Cock Tavern* in Fleet Street, we'll take the opportunity to review these arguments - debating their merits, taking them apart brick by brick, and exploring what really lies behind these arguments. *Anyone who wishes to make a short presentation on this topic during this gathering should contact the organisers in advance.* == Schedule == 5:30pm: The room is available, for early get-togethers 6pm-6:45pm: Food is served; informal conversations 6:45pm-8:30pm: A number of interactive conversations, interspersed with opportunities to visit the bar 8:30pm: Informal networking == RSVP please == Registrations are capped at 40 people. *First-time attendees are welcome.* There's no charge to register or attend, but the pub will expect everyone to order at least one drink, and a reasonable number of attendees to [order some food to eat](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern/menu?type=main+menu). Please order your food on your arrival, so that all plates can be set aside by 6:45pm to allow everyone to concentrate on the main discussion! == More about the venue == Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, Holborn, London, EC4Y 1AA See [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern) We'll be meeting in the room at the top of the stairs, though drinks should be ordered from the bar on the ground floor. \*\* Note that this is an in-person meeting, and there will be no remote access, sorry \*\*

**PRIMAVERA 2026: CANTA CON EL LOLCHOIR** Sesiones los miércoles >>> 6:00 - 7:30pm FECHAS: Marzo: 4, 11, 18, 25 Abril: ---, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mayo: **6** \* Grabación informal el 6 de mayo Después de la corta pausa de año nuevo, volvemos a nuestras actividades con el nuevo 'term' de la Primavera 2026, que comienza este miércoles 4 de marzo. Nuestro 'term' anterior estuvo hermoso y tuvimos un concierto inolvidable. Esta vez tendremos en total 9 sesiones (Grabación en la última fecha) Durante todas nuestras sesiones, aprenderemos canciones de la tradicionales de Latino América y España (en Castellano principalmente). No es necesario hablar el idioma para entrar al coro! El proceso de aprendizaje es "a oído". Se entregan letras y traducciones de las canciones, y ocasionalmente partituras si alguna pieza está escrita formalmente. ☛ SESIONES HÍBRIDAS: EN PERSONA & EN LÍNEA (AL MISMO TIEMPO) Los ensayos son en persona, pero algunas personas siguen conectándose en línea desde la pandemia. Todos bienvenidos! Se enviará el link privado a quienes se hayan registrado y hayan realizado el pago. Link de zoom para este term: \* Se compartirá a los que lo soliciten directamente. ☛ COSTO: Los participantes pagan £12 ó £9 (concesiones) por sesión vía PayPal, en efectivo ó por transferencia bancaria. (Promoción: £100 si se paga por las 9 sesiones por adelantado) ☀️ LINK PARA EL PAGO: http://www.menjuramusic.com/payment.html or 🌀 REGISTRO Y PAGO: http://www.menjuramusic.com/choirs-reg-and-payment.html ☛ DIRECCIÓN Ensayamos en un centro comunitario muy cerca de la estación de Chancery Lane. Allen Hall Portpool Lane London EC1N 7AA Las siguientes sesiones se harán en Allen hall como lo dice el poster. __ Camilo 😊 facebook.com/menjuramusic facebook.com/lolchoir menjuramusic.com

“Conservatism,” in some form or another, is a mainstay of politics in Western countries. As a political philosophy, however, it is undefined, and the “conservatives” of today have very little in common with those of previous generations. What do conservatives actually stand for? Why are conservatives so effective in opposition, and so incompetent in government? And is socialism the only alternative? Join us for a discussion of Conservatism vs. Objectivism, an interview Ayn Rand gave at Columbia University more than 60 years ago — one that today’s conservatives would benefit greatly from hearing. Full audio available here: https://youtu.be/Bia_ruwrVdY?si=ICUuS1egDCMGu8TJ

**LOLCHOIR SPRING TERM 2026** [Sessions on Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:30pm] **From March to May** (9 dates in total) \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- March: 4, 11, 18, 25 April: --, 8, 15, 22, 29 May: **6** \* Recording on last session We are very excited to start our Spring Term 2026 after a short break from our End of the Year concert in December 2025! Everything is ready for a term with a great selection of varied and beautiful tunes. During our sessions we will learn several songs from the Latin American and Spanish Folk tradition. You **don't** need to speak the language to sing it. Lyrics are provided. We will be exploring different rhythms, styles, melodies and themes with the selected tunes for this term. The learning process is done by ear. Lyrics & translations are provided as well as audio guide files and occasional scores if at all used. ☛ SESSIONS: IN PERSON & ONLINE (Hybrid) Most people are joining the sessions in person but the option of joining online via Zoom is still available since the pandemic. \* Link will be provided on request. ☛ We meet on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. * The learning process is done by ear. * Lyrics & translations are provided as well as audio guide files and scores (depending on the tune) * ☛ FEE: People contribute with £12 or £9 (concessions) per session with PayPal, Bank Transfer, etc. *[Little promotion: £100 when paying for the 9 sessions upfront]* ☀️ PAYMENT LINK: http://www.menjuramusic.com/payment.html or 🌀 REGISTER & PAYMENT LINK: (if you haven’t registered before) http://www.menjuramusic.com/choirs-reg-and-payment.html ☛ WHERE When in person, we meet at a community centre near Chancery Lane or Farringdon Station. Allen Hall Portpool Lane London, EC1N 7AA \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this far! Please get in touch if you have any question, comment, suggestion, etc., or even if you just want to say hello. I look forward to seeing you on this Wednesday! Best wishes, Camilo 😊 facebook.com/menjuramusic facebook.com/lolchoir

Following Plant-Based Schools' fantastic [Easter egg hunt and picnic](https://www.meetup.com/lhcveg/photos/35902051), we're continuing the holiday fun with FREE board games and kid's treat (croissant or pain au chocolate; when adult buys a [main](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_39)) at vegan **[Soul Bowl](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** in Leyton ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)). Please join us any time from 12:30pm, fancy dress is optional!

See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cycling-group-tickets-433505435427 Booking required via organiser. Attempted bookings via Hubbub will not be processed.

Hello path-beaters and foot-padders! Once again it's that time again: Spring is in the air, or at least it will be (have been?) by the time we touch down in east London for another big step down **The Greenway on April 12th, 2026.** It was with this hidden gem of an urban nature trail that we kicked off last year's smash-hit nature walking series. Longtime LCC-ers will remember that we didn't actually get very far down the Greenway, thanks to the torturous interference of some no-good developers who put a big fence and a "GREENWAY CLOSED" sign in our way. We diverted and had a lovely hike anyway, but this time we'll be ready. The Greenway was once known as the Northern Outfall Sewer, a raised sewer line designed to whisk away the industrial filth of London during the height of the Industrial Revolution. At the start of the 20th century, it was sealed up and turned into a linear park for the enjoyment of working-class east London, over which it passes today - from Fish Island all the way over East Ham and on down to Silvertown and the end of the Woolwich Peninsula. We'll try to cover the whole distance, for a walk of about 3-3.5 hours. The weather should be alright - who can say - but do bring a wind layer and possibly some protection from light rains. Good walking shoes and boots are handy, but this trail shouldn't have much or any mud, since it's paved in quite a few places. A snack or lunch is worth bringing too, but we'll aim for a pub at the end somewhere. There are bathroom facilities at Hackney Wick, our starting point, as well as at a couple cafes at situated on the eastern end of the route. Along the way we'll see gorgeous views of the River Lea with its branches, canal sections and forests as well as the Olympic parklands of Hackney and Stratford. To top that off, we'll have a near birds-eye view of the changing human landscape with all the big fuck-off construction sites of Bow Goods Yard, Sweetwater, Pudding Mill etc - a veritable tour of the gentrification process as it rolls on in east London! Natural beauty and political-economic field research - a winning combination, so do join us. Take care and see you on the trail!

Every day you look at the news on your phone and you are shown a perspective on multiple events, vivid pictures, videos, and explanations that decide for you what to think. When you come out of your bubble and try to talk to others, you realise they have the wrong perspective. You assumed they saw the same undeniable evidence you did, with the same explanations. But each person is shown a perspective tailored to them, believable and convincing from where they stand. We moved from relying on our own eyes, to gossip, to the printing press, to radio and TV, and now to news customised to each individual. We moved from Plato's Cave, where we were all chained side by side experiencing the same shadows, to isolation, each of us with our own unique shadows. In Plato's Cave they were wrong together. Are we more lost being wrong alone? Is your bubble protecting you or trapping you? Can we build a shared world if we can't share a shared reality? Learn more about [the allegory of the cave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave). \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: Platos Allegory of the Cave 1604 by Jan Saenredam

Lucky dip is a different theme each month - each meeting will include: meditation, music, poetry and gentle discussion. Previous themes so far this year have included: "Paying attention to Meditation", "What is a blessing?" "New Year Meditation on Resistance" This month's theme will be announced shortly. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From the monthly Wednesday lunchtime session to the events every Thursday evening, Heartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you are a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow.

Do you want to relax and socialize in a quiet bar while watching some movies or tv series together? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs? Have you been cooped up by yourself for too long and wants a change of pace? This is the event for you. Join us for a laid-back Netflix watch party at XP Tavern— perfect setup with big screens, solid sound, and plenty of space to spread out. The bar has Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV, Youtube Prime etc. Expect good vibes, cold drinks, bar food, maybe some discussions during breaks, and zero pressure to stay quiet — react, laugh, scream, all welcome. How many people are attending? The venue has a capacity limit of 50 guests, and due to the popularity of our events and the unique ambiance of the location, we anticipate this event will reach full capacity quickly. On the day of the event, you will experience a relaxing atmosphere with a hospitable and encouraging community. Feel free to come with friends or by yourself. Most people come alone and make new friends at the event. When we arrive in the first hour, we will socialize, get some drinks and talk about what movies/tv series we love. Afterwards we will vote on which show to watch for each group. Then we will settle into the watch booths and enjoy a cinematic experience for the rest of the evening. If you want to socialize and get drinks, the event is free. If you want to participate and watch with the group, you gotta pay £12 per two hours.

Welcome back to *No, Really: What Is to be Done?*, our deep-dive series on Lenin, Leninism, and the theory of the revolutionary party. You may be wondering when and if we're ever actually going to read WITBD itself, the actual text. Rest assured we will. For now, we're going to keep on psyching ourselves up with another one of the foundational documents of Leninism, one which feels grimly relevant right now: *Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.* Find the text here: [https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/) Feel free to read as much as you like, but we'll focus on the **Preface and Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. These are:** [I. CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND MONOPOLIES](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch01.htm) [III. FINANCE CAPITAL AND THE FINANCIAL OLIGARCHY](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch03.htm) [VI. DIVISION OF THE WORLD AMONG THE GREAT POWERS](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch06.htm) [VII. IMPERIALISM AS A SPECIAL STAGE OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch07.htm) [VIII. PARASITISM AND DECAY OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch08.htm) It's often claimed that Lenin's identification of imperialism as capitalism's "highest stage" is a textbook example of Marxist hubris. How can capitalism have reached its highest stage in the year 1916, when Lenin was writing? Surely technofeudalism, or neocolonialism, or monopoly corporatism - take your pick - represents a higher stage? Without giving too much away, let's say this much, at least by way of starting a debate: the confronting truth is that capitalism did indeed reach its highest stage with the exact kind of monopolist, oligarchic, feudalistic (when *Imperialism* was published, literal crowned heads still ruled much of Europe by decree), militarised imperialism Lenin describes in this work. If that suggests that nothing has really changed in the 100+ years since, except perhaps to get worse, it's because nothing has. A century of "progress" and we haven't progressed at all. Still wage slaves, still debt peons, still cattle for a rapist ruling class. And it all still runs on the blood and oil of the Global South. So let's not kid ourselves: *Imperialism* is as relevant today as when it was written. Don't believe me? Join us and see for yourself! We'll discuss Lenin's framework of analysis, his concrete conclusions and strategic recommendations and break down whether we think these insights are applicable to our times in all their brutality. Take care and happy reading! \-\-\-\- A bit about the *NRWITBD* series: [Fade in] The year is 2026. Picture this: industrial-scale war on multiple continents. Cities in ruins, millions dead and millions more made refugees - starvation, disease, mutilations, deportations, pogroms, genocides, dispossessions. Across every land, a working class on its knees before an ever-shrinking class of oligarchs with an ever-growing pile of treasure, weapons and slaves - determined to pit brother against brother in endless wars for resources that can only end when the whole earth is a toxic wasteland. And what they call "peace" is not much better. This is the brutal present, a [Second Gilded Age,](https://fortune.com/article/gilded-age-coming-back-layoffs-pay-inequality-labor-unions-ceos-billionaires-worker-pay/) but we could travel back a hundred years and describe more or less the exact same scene. In the century since Lenin lived and walked the earth, less has changed than the eternal optimists - Panglossian techno-liberals like Steven Pinker and the other intellectuals of the Epstein class - would like us to think. Really, we're back where it all began in the *First* Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th century: on the outside looking in, asking the age-old question: what is to be done? Things are really getting quite bad. No, really - what is to be done!!? In our gatherings of late, we've been tinkering around the edges of a few answers. Prior Lenin readings as well as our exploration of the Yan'an Forum and our whistle-stop tour through the last twenty years of street protests with Vincent Bevins have given us some things to chew on. Now there's been a clamour from plenty of regulars, as well as a few newcomers, that we continue to pull at the vital thread that seems to be running through all our discussions and see where it might lead us: namely, the revolutionary theories of Lenin. This will be a series of readings running every other Thursday night in Whitechapel. With *No, Really: What is to be done?,* we'll be taking a deep dive into revolutionary Marxism with a read-through of texts like Lars Lih's *Lenin rediscovered: what is to be done? in Context,* non-standard biographies like Carter Ellwood's *Non-Geometric Lenin: Essays on the Development of the Bolshevik Party 1910-1914* as well as some articles, essays and discussion prompts which most readers likely won't have encountered before.

Join us for fun times ;)

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!