Barack Obama

Hello comrades! We're trying something special for this one. Longtime LMRG-heads will remember our well-attended online meetups during the Covid lockdown era, in which we were honoured to welcome attendees from all around the world. Since then, group members in the US and elsewhere have occasionally asked if we'll ever be hosting online readings again. We can finally say that the answer is yes! For this first one, we're going to take it easy with a casual discussion of the subject that's been on everyones' minds lately: the state of US politics, the ongoing rise of fascism during the second Trump administration, and the prospects for socialist organising, especially at the local electoral level, where groups like the Democratic Socialists of America have, famously, recently been enjoying well-publicised successes. We'll be talking, of course, about what Zohran Mamdani means for NYC and socialist electoralism more broadly, as well as Marxist former councilwoman Kshama Sawant's recently-announced bid for Congress and the democratic socialist mayor-elect of Seattle, Katie Wilson. Here are a few article links if you want something to read up on before the event: On Mamdani, his outlook, and the meaning of that Trump meeting: https://jacobin.com/2025/11/trump-mamdani-policy-capitalism-socialism A little bit about Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson: https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/14/seattle-mayor-elect-katie-wilson-organizer-socialist-transit Former Seattle city councilwoman Kshama Sawant's announcement of her Congressional candidacy: https://www.kshamasawant.org/why-im-running/ We're welcoming everyone, everywhere to attend this meeting, which will be held over the end-to-end encrypted video chat platform [Jitsi Meet.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitsi) Think of it like the security-conscious paranoic's answer to Google Meet or Zoom. Fear not: you won't need to download any apps, just click the link, which will be shared here in the Meetup description for this event in the next few days (check back for the edit) and we'll let you in. In future, we'll aim to hold two International Cafe meetups on alternating weeks: one for the western and one for the eastern hemisphere. Western hemisphere meetings will probably continue to take place at 8PM GMT/UTC (London time), meaning 5PM in Brazil (UTC -3) 3PM on the Eastern US (UTC -5), and noon on the Pacific Coast (UTC -8). If we get some interest, we'll also try to host meetings around noon here in London, for late afternoon in (for examples) India or early evening in China. Take care and hope to see you there!

Make sure to **Pre-book** your ticket through [our website](www.ontherocksbarcrawl.com/london/book-now) We're rated number 1 for nightlife on TripAdvisor in Brighton and Barcelona, and 12th in London so you know you'll have a great time ◡̈ People come from LOTS of other channels so please ignore the meetup RSVP number ◡̈ Whether you're new to London or just expanding your social circle, bar crawling is a fantastic way to meet people! Every day our crawl is full of lively people who are just there to meet new friends and have a good time. Guides will take you to at least 5 great bars and clubs in the centre of London. The guides make sure to make everyone feel included, encourage mixing within the group and introduce everyone. This makes it a great activity whether you come alone or with friends. We hope to meet you soon :) INFO: exact meeting point shared once you purchase a ticket (prices vary depending on when you book but start at £19.50) Included is : \- Entry to four bars and a club \- A free shot at each bar \- exclusive reduced drink deals at every venue \- access to the photos that we take with our big fancy camera BRING ID! 18+ years old only (Sorry, it's the law :/ ) Make sure to bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport, other forms of ID (including photocopies of the above) are unlikely to be accepted by the venues that we visit. Make sure to bring ID no matter your age. \*\*\*Please note: Due to previous bad experiences, we are unfortunately no longer able to accept stag/hen dos (or same-sex groups of more than 9) on our main crawl. To book a private crawl with us, please contact london@ontherocksbarcrawl.com\*\*\* Ts&Cs apply: [https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/](https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/)

Supporters argue that adaptation is necessary to protect lives, infrastructure, and the economy from the impacts of flooding and heatwaves. Preparing for these changes can help reduce long-term costs and enable communities to remain resilient as the climate continues to evolve. Such changes should be prioritised over unrealistic attempts at a "Zero Carbon lifestyle" Opponents argue that focusing on adaptation may encourage acceptance of climate change and reduce efforts to cut emissions. They also believe adaptation can be costly and unfair, and that resources should instead be focused on preventing climate change in the first place. Moreover, net-zero goals are necessary benchmarks for preventing catastrophic climate change **Come and join us for drinks and debates!**

https://www.barefootyogaandtherapy.com Insta Barefootyogastudio4 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barefootyogaandtherapy?_t=8qXGaoLjgzB&_r=1 What is prenatal yoga? Prenatal yoga is a form of gentle yoga that is designed to complement the growing needs of a pregnant body during all three trimesters. The focus is on restorative poses that keep you safe while practicing movement, stretching, deep breathing, and mental centering. What are the benefits of prenatal yoga? Improve sleep. Reduce stress and anxiety. Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth. Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath.

Where thoughts change, life changes… Your thinking affects everything. Think negative thoughts, and it drains your energy, elevates your anxiety and makes things seem worse than they actually are. Even though it’s so easy for negative thoughts to creep in, it’s really important to maintain a positive mindset. Join this session to understand: * the power of your thoughts * the ability to transform your thoughts * how to cultivate positivity **This is the beginning of a free, two-session, in-person seminar, with each session lasting 60 minutes.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](http://%5Bhttps//www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/%5D(https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/) "\[https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/\](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/)") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barefootyogaandtherapy?_t=8qXG2DImUfw&_r=1 Insta Barefootyogastudio4 Mum & Baby yoga classes include the use of loving touch, eye contact and both singing and talking to baby to promote both the bond and communication between parent and baby. Meet likeminded mums and socialse babies. To book: https://www.barefootyogaandtherapy.com

This week we'll look at the third chapter of [Science and Human Values](https://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/students/envs_5110/bronowski_1956.pdf), by Jacob Bronowski. In this work Bronowski contends that science is not merely a technical method, but instead is grounded in the same philosophical principles which characterise an open society. These values include honesty, freedom, and tolerance of uncertainty and, he argues, abandoning them leads to intellectual and moral disaster. Please read the chapter before attending.

Join me for a fun Drama class every Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm- 8:30pm at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham Common. Acting helps with confidence and awareness. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, you will meet new people and learn all about Acting. No experience is needed. We'll do relaxation exercises, games, improvisations, storytelling, and a bit later on we'll start working on character and text. The year ends with an exciting Showcase where friends and family come and see how all your hard work has paid off :) £10 pounds for the trial class to be paid before or after class. Different payment options if you decide to join. In order to reserve a place, please contact me at catherine@thebrightdaycompany.net. For more info: https://www.thebrightdaycompany.net/about I look forward to seeing you!

For the first meeting of 2026, we will read Andy Weir's 2022 novel, *Project Hail Mary*. 'Set in the near future, it centers on school teacher and former biologist Ryland Grace, who wakes up aboard a spacecraft afflicted with amnesia.' (Wikipedia) ''Charting the desperate last-chance mission of a lone astronaut to safeguard our planet, *Project Hail Mary* is a riveting interstellar adventure from the bestselling author of *The Martian*." -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary The meeting will take place at The Folly on Gracechurch St (the weekend vibe there is quite different from the weekday evening one...). Join us for a delicious brunch/lunch as we dive into this sci-fi thriller! N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

Join us for fun drama games and improv. No experience required. Book here or www.actorverse.co.uk

Meet up fee £7 to be paid at the beginning of the meet up. Card or cash payments. Meeting at Mikis Paradise Cafe. Please bring your favourite Tarot deck.

**Backabush has some exciting plans for another expedition. This time we are heading for Kenya, to the trekkers summit of Africa's second highest mountain!** Point Lenana is our goal at **4985m** where we hope to arrive as the sun rises over the central plains of Kenya. When bagging high African summits most people head to Kilimanjaro but the journey up Mt Kenya has far fewer crowds and is arguably a much more interesting hike. As with many mountains, not all paths up are equal. We will take the Chogoria route, led by our expert local team. This route is the most scenic and varied in its landscape so we can experience the most beautiful sides of this magnificent mountain. We will spend 6 days and 5 nights camping on the mountain, descending on the opposite side along the Sirimon route, sleeping in tents along the way. We will be supported by our experienced team of guides, cooks and porters. Our local team will also provide us with all the camping equipment we need. **Difficulty** Our first days on the mountain will be shorter than average hiking days whilst our bodies adapt but **BE WARNED**; the summit day will be a massive challenge, hiking for 12 hours at high altitude with a 2.30am wake up call so we can reach the summit for sunrise. **Weather** On safari it will be - yes you guessed it - warm. January is one of the best times to climb Mt Kenya as it's in the dry season so clear skies are much more likely but **as we approach the summit it will be very cold**. Snow is not uncommon and at our high camps we may encounter temperatures as low as -10 at night. So its thermals, fleeces and down jackets at top. **Acclimatisation** This has to be considered carefully. Our plan is to gradually ascend, spending 6 days on the mountain so we have time to properly acclimatise and enjoy our hike. Many companies offer 5 day, and even 4 day itineraries but as we will be travelling from almost sea level in the UK this would put us at too high risk of experiencing altitude sickness. With an extra day we should be able to enjoy our trek much more. **[See the full itinerary here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nbvxZENE8JnjF_1OXhaVGwyLvHR2LAOP-JHUjKk79FY/edit?usp=sharing)** **SAFARI -** We couldn't possibly plan a trip to Kenya without taking some time to experience some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in the world. After our tough mountain hike we have planned a 3 night safari staying in comfortable lodges so we can shower, rest and recover from our trek. First we will stay for 2 nights in the **Samburu National Reserve**, a vast expanse of remote pristine wilderness, bordering the Ewaso Ng'iro River. This area is home to elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, giraffes, as well as leopards, cheetahs and more. We will then travel to the **Ol Pejeta Conservancy** for another game drive where will also stay the night in a safari lodge. This is a not-for-profit protected area home to **'the big 5'** which has incredible bio diversity and some hugely effective conservation projects. It is regarded as an example of how safari tourism can have a positive impact on the local communities as well as the wildlife populations. Check out their great work here: [https://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/](https://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/) In Ol Pejeta we will also visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary for chimps rescued from the bushmeat trade. While visiting Ol Pejeta we also have the opportunity to **experience a night time game drive**, a truly unique experience in the dark to spot the nocturnal wildlife with the park rangers. This is $75 USD extra. **Accommodation** * Mountain tents at basic campsites on Mt Kenya * 2 nights at Sopa Lodge Samburu, with a pool, outdoor dining and lounge room. Shared twin rooms. * 1 night at The Stables, Ol Pejeta. Shared rooms in a no-frills lodge with shared bathrooms. Chosen for it's excellent location amongst the wildlife in the Conservancy * Single supplement £75 **WHAT'S INCLUDED** * All transport to and from Nairobi * Mt Kenya National Park daily fees * Ol Pejeta Conservancy daily park fees * Samburu National Reserve daily park fees * Experienced local trekking guides * Porters and cooks for the hike * All meals from pick up to drop off. See itinerary for details. * Mountain tents, sleeping mats and other camping equipment * Campsite fees * 3 nights safari lodge accommodation in shared rooms * Safari guides and safari vehicles for game drives, see itinerary * 1 Backabush trip leader * Financial protection in line with package travel regulations **WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED** * Flights to Nairobi * Visas * Travel Insurance * Tips for guides, cooks and porters (tips for porters are expected as and we should budget a minimum of 60USD each for this) * Night time game drive $75 USD * **Single supplement** of £75 * Unexpected increases in park fees and taxes - we may be asked to cover increases as 2026 park fees are provisional. **TRAVEL TO NAIROBI** You will need to make you own travel arrangements to **arrive in Nairobi on** **Friday 16th January or before**. I recommend these direct British Airways flights but you can find cheaper flights at very similar times with a stop over starting at around £450 return including baggage with Lufthansa. You will also need to make your own arrangements for accommodation on Friday 16 January. I can recommend a convenient hotel so we can stay together if people would like to. Outbound - Friday 16 January British Airways BA65 Departs - LHR London Heathrow 09:45 Arrives - NBO Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta 21:35 Return - Sunday 25 January British Airways BA64 Departs - NBO Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta 23:55 Arrives - LHR London Heathrow 06:15 +1 We will arrive back in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon so please book a flight departing no earlier than 20:00pm. **HOW TO BOOK** The trip cost is £1650. To confirm your place a £450 deposit is required. Payment can then be made as follows £400 by 01/06 £400 by 01/08 £400 by 01/10 Please send all payments through online banking, using **KENYA** as the payment reference. **Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space.** The account details are: Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS Sort Code: 090127 Account Number: 22440622 The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/edit?usp=sharing) Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com when you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're heading to Hyde Park in central London for our first experiment in weekday, evening running.** **Hyde Park will provide us a nice flat trail run. We'll be looking at roughly 30-45 minutes, covering around 3km at a moderate pace, ideal for beginners and intermediate runners. Whatever your speed, our organisers will always keep you in sight!** Our Hyde Park route will take us from the actual Marble Arch structure, by the Marble Arch tube station (on the Central line), south over the open ground to the long Rotten Row track running west, north and over the Serpentine Bridge crossing the lake, through the Hyde Park forest and finish out the run back at the Arch. There are [toilet facilities in Hyde Park](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/faqs) which cost 20 pence (£0.20) to access; contactless payment cards are accepted but cash is not. If you haven't got a card but need the loo, don't worry, the organisers carry cards and will gladly spot you 20p. How generous is that? I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Happy New Year Colleagues, The next Columbus Futurists public forum will be **Thursday January 15 at 12:00 pm noon** (eastern) [https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09](https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09) Please come prepared to offer your **"What if?" questions for 2026**. (I will offer seven to begin our conversation.) I also would like to announce the publication of my latest book: *[Anticipatory Biographies: Personal Histories of the Future](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-08912-0)*, the tenth volume in the “Anticipation Science” series. Grounded in design fiction, futures research, anticipation science, and scenario writing, *Anticipatory Biographies* envisions how the world will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, technological automation, climate change, political disintegration, and the decline of higher education. This work of creative non-fiction bridges literary and scholarly forms, blending biography and design fiction with research-based insights to offer a narrative-based method for exploring futures. Ed Finn, Director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University says: “In this book **David Staley has invented a delightful new genre: the future biography.** He invites us to step into gritty, thrilling, and inspiring futures elbow-to-elbow with the characters living those stories. *Anticipatory Biographies* beautifully synthesizes Staley’s training as a historian, his expertise as a futurist, and his desire to ignite the imagination of his readers.” Hope you'll be able to read it, and hope to see you all on the 15th. D. David J. Staley, Ph.D. President, Columbus Futurists 614.316.1348 [columbus.futurists@gmail.com](mailto:columbus.futurists@gmail.com) [http://columbusfuturists.org](http://columbusfuturists.org/) [https://davidjstaley.substack.com/](https://davidjstaley.substack.com/) 

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area! Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the building that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

You are lovingly invited to join this year’s **MidWeek Renewal** as we explore *The Power of Intention* by **Wayne W. Dyer**, a timeless and transformative work that invites us to align with the creative Presence Dr. Dyer refers to as Intention. This seven-week study and discussion series offers an opportunity to deepen spiritual awareness, strengthen personal practice, and engage in meaningful conversation within a supportive Unity community. Together, we will explore the book’s three sections—*The Essentials of Intention*, *Putting Intention to Work*, and *The Connection*—through guided discussion and weekly reading. The series begins with an introductory session and unfolds in a way that encourages reflection, spiritual growth, and practical application in daily life. Offered in a **hybrid format**, in-person participation is encouraged, with a Zoom option available for those joining online. Whether you are new to Unity teachings or a longtime Truth student, all are welcome. **This is a weekly live event.** Simply log in to join — no RSVP required. 💗 **[Join Forgiveness Class on Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82360245386?pwd=TVZ4SS9SNFVoM2ZsTmRKZlVTVDNyZz09)** \| ID **823 6024 5386** Passcode **995999**