Debate

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Say Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating".** We are anti-ragebait and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society. We facilitate an in-person session **on the last Saturday of every month at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 5pm-7pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **Tickets are £15 per person and must be booked in advance via our website at www.debait.co.uk. The ticket price includes tea / coffee and a small Scandinavian fika treat, thanks to our event sponsors Scandi Soul Food (www.scandisoulfood.co.uk).**

In recent months, South Africa has witnessed growing tensions around immigration, identity, economic inequality, and social belonging. Public debate has increasingly focused on questions of migration, citizenship, xenophobia, and the treatment of African migrants within African societies. **The Association of Black Humanists and Bolelang Rakeepile of the South African Atheists** invites members of the public, activists, scholars, students, and community leaders to a thoughtful and respectful discussion exploring these issues through a humanist lens. Together, we will examine: \* What drives hostility toward immigrants and foreign nationals? \* How do colonial history, inequality, and economic hardship shape current attitudes? \* What does humanism teach us about human dignity, solidarity, and shared humanity? \* Can borders coexist with compassion and justice? \* How do we challenge xenophobia while addressing legitimate social concerns? This conversation seeks to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and constructive dialogue at a time when division and fear threaten social cohesion across the continent. Bolelang will lead the discussion and he would also be happy to answer questions from the audience. **Date: 30 May 2026** **Time: 3pm (London time) please arrive by 2.45pm** **Venue: Pembury Community Centre,** **1 Atkins Square, Dalston Lane, E8 1HL** Admission is free and all are welcome. A voluntary donation of £3 would be much appreciated. **No human being is illegal. Our shared humanity must remain greater than our borders!!**

**🥋 Feel Safer, Get Stronger, Train Smarter — Battersea Park Bandstand** Join our friendly, outdoor Kung Fu classes in Battersea Park, focused on practical self-defence, functional fitness, and calm under pressure — all taught in a relaxed, ego-free environment. These sessions are designed to help you build real martial skill, improve strength and mobility, and develop confidence that carries into everyday life. No prior experience needed. Many people stay on afterwards for a relaxed social at the Pear Tree Café, just a short walk away. \*\*\* **🧠 About the Classes** Whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, reduce stress, or simply try something different, these classes are open to **all levels (ages 16+)**. Training blends **traditional Kung Fu methods** with a modern understanding of movement, wellbeing, and long-term health. You’ll learn how to: * Handle punches and common attacks effectively * Use footwork and positioning to avoid strikes * Improve flexibility, balance, and joint mobility * Condition the body safely and progressively * Practise breathing and mindful awareness for calm and resilience Sessions are **beginner-friendly**, taught at a sensible pace, and structured to help you build skill step by step — without intimidation or pressure. \*\*\* **📍 When & Where** 🗓 Saturdays 2:30–4:30pm 🗓 Wednesdays 6:30–8:30pm 📌 **Battersea Park — Central Bandstand** We train outdoors year-round. If it rains, we train under cover nearby. Sessions are adapted sensibly to conditions — part of building resilience and presence. The location is well connected and easy to fit into a normal working week. \*\*\* ## 💰 Pricing 🎟 **First Class (Intro Offer): £10** A one-time introductory session to try the class and see if it’s right for you. If you decide to continue within 48 hours of your first class, this £10 will be deducted from your first class block. *** 🥋 **Training Options** After your first session, training continues via class blocks: **5-Class Block — £75** *(most popular for beginners)* Valid for 2 months A great way to build a solid foundation and get a real feel for the system. **10-Class Block — £120 (best value)** Valid for 4 months Ideal for regular training and steady long-term progress. *** All sessions are 2 hours and designed to give you practical, progressive development each time. Classes are booked in advance. Blocks are non-refundable but flexible if you need to miss a session. **📩 Booking & Contact:** ✉️ [joe.cheung75@gmail.com](http://joe.cheung75@gmail.com) 📱 WhatsApp/text: 07914 411979 \*\*\* **🎒 What to Bring** * Loose, comfortable clothing. * Water. * An open mind - everything else is taught step by step. \*\*\* **💬 What Students Say** *"* *Joe makes everybody feel welcome, and more importantly, he is a great teacher. Rather than a one size fits all approach, he tailors the class to your strengths and weaknesses and he is extremely patient."* – Natalie, beginner *“A true gem for anyone searching for a holistic system to train strength and awareness.”* – Julius, beginner *“I strongly recommend his services for 16 year olds and over. If you are passionate about martial arts then this class will open your mind to many classical & practical Kung Fu styles.”* – George, White Sash \*\*\* **🔔 Important Info** * Please let me know in advance about any injuries or health conditions. * Classes are non-refundable. * Regular training builds confidence, skill, and resilience over time. \*\*\* **👤 About the Instructor** I’m Joe Cheung, a black sash instructor in Baji Zhandao Kung Fu. My martial arts background includes: * 12+ years Baji Zhandao Kung Fu (2nd Black Sash) * 10+ years Bujinkan Ninjitsu (2nd Dan Black Belt) * 2 years Urban Krav Maga Private one-to-one lessons are also available— just ask. \*\*\* **🧭 What Is Baji Zhandao?** Baji Zhandao means *“Battlefield Style”*. It blends over 10 powerful Chinese martial systems into one adaptable method, including: * Baji Quan * Yang Tai Chi Quan * Pigua Zhang * Tongbei Quan * Bagua Zhang * Xingyi Quan This system was developed by Grandmaster Chen Fu Sheng — a former Chinese Special Forces instructor with 50+ years of real-world martial experience. 🔗 More information: [bajizhandao.co.uk](https://bajizhandao.co.uk) \*\*\* **✅ Ready to Begin?** If you want to feel safer, get stronger, improve mobility, and train in a grounded, supportive group — you’ll be very welcome. Train outdoors. Build skill for life. Leave stronger than you arrived.

Exciting event from comrades at Compass and the Progressive Economy Forum! [Tickets here.](https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/may_30_2026?source=cmpswebsite&) Last year, Compass brought together 450+ progressive pioneers at ‘Change:HOW? A Decade of Radical Renewal’ to re-orient the current Labour government’s promise of a ‘decade of national renewal’. This was an amazingly successful day and a springboard for our work in the Labour Party to get organised, energised and mobilised through Mainstream. But the past year has proven one thing above all else: the need for an organised progressive agenda **across** parties and movements, the **relationships** to make that agenda happen, and the **urgency** of making change. That’s why Compass is thrilled to be working with [Progressive Economic Forum](https://progressiveeconomyforum.com/) to host **‘Change:NOW! Mobilising the Progressive Majority’**, a day of debate, disagreement and deliberation between progressives of all parties (and none!) on **Saturday 30th May 2026.** The conference will feature speakers from across the progressive parties and movements, including keynote speeches from **Mayor Andy Burnham, Caroline Lucas,** and **Gary Stevenson.** Please find a full speaker list below. We’ll also be joined by partners including **Friends of the Earth, UCL Policy Lab, New Economics Foundation, Make Votes Matter, Unlock Democracy,** and **Migrant Democracy Project.** We are splitting the day between focusing on what policies we need to deliver the change to reset our economy, and the political and cultural changes we need to bring about those policies. Through establishing consensus on political strategy and economic direction - and highlighting the important differences in detail across progressive parties and the wider movement - this event will be the catalyst for the change our country so desperately needs. So whether you’re a Labourite, a Green, a Lib Dem, otherwise spoken for or unaligned, get your ticket today and join us for what promises to be an inspiring and imaginative day of ideas and political debate! The event will take place on **Saturday 30th May** at **Rich Mix**, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA. With our partners: Friends of the Earth \| UCL Policy Lab \| New Economics Foundation \| Mainstream \| Renewal \| Economic Change Unit \| Make Votes Matter \| Unlock Democracy \| Migrant Democracy Project *** Keynote speeches from Mayor of Greater Manchester **Andy Burnham**, economist, YouTuber, and author **Gary Stevenson,** and Former Leader of the Green Party **Caroline Lucas.** Speakers include: **Abubakr Nanabawa**\, Director\, The Muslim Vote \| **Allan Njanji**\, Regional Campaigns Manager\, Asylum Matters\, researcher and advocate for refugee rights \| **Alex Sobel**\, Labour MP for Leeds Central & Headingley\, Chair of APPG for Fair Elections \| **Alex Zur-Clark**\, Labour for a New Democracy \| **Andrea Egan**\, General Secretary\, UNISON \| **Ann Pettifor**, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics; author of *The Case for the Green New Deal* and *The Global Casino* \| **Anthea Simmons**\, Founder of Common Ground Org\, co\-founder South Devon Primary and editor\-in\-chief of West Country Voice \| **Asad Rehman** Chief Executive\, Friends of the Earth\| **Beth Stratford**\, Honorary Research Fellow\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Bethany Gardiner-Smith**\, Senior Policy Associate\, the Future Governance Forum \| **Caitlin Prowle,** Assistant General Secretary\, Cooperative Party \| **Carolina Alves**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Cecilia Rikap**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose\| **Clare Short**\, Former Secretary of State for International Development \| **Clive Lewis MP**\, Labour MP\, Norwich South \| **Daniella Jenkins**\, Executive Director\, Women’s Budget Group \| **Daniel Kebede**\, General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Danny Sriskandarajah**\, Cheif Executive\, New Economics Foundation \| **David Wilson**\, Deputy General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Diane Elson**\, Emeritus Professor\, University of Essex; adviser to UN Women and the Women’s Budget Group \| **Emma Harrison**\, Chief Exec\, Make Votes Matter \| **Faiza Shaheen,** Executive Director of Tax Justice UK\, and Independent candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2024 General Election\| **Fatima Ibrahim**\, Co\-executive Director\, Green New Deal Rising \| **Francesca Klug**\, Human Rights expert and Visiting Professorial at the LSE \| **Geoff Mulgan**\, Professor of Collective Intelligence\, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London \(UCL\) \| **Guy Standing**, Professorial Research Associate, SOAS; author of *The Precariat*, *The Politics of Time* and *Human Capital* \| **Hannah Rich**\, Director\, Christians on the Left \| **Hannah Robathon**\, Take Back Big Tech \| **James Baggaley**\, Head of Politics and Partnerships\, UCL Policy Lab \| **James Meadway**\, Director\, Verdant \| **Jeremy Gilbert**\, Professor of Cultural and Political Theory\, University of East London \| **Jo Michell**\, Professor of Economics\, UWE Bristol \| **Jonathon Shafi**\, Activist\, Political Commentator\, ERS Scotland Campaigns Organiser \| **Josh Ryan-Collins**\, Professor of Economics and Finance\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Kate Pickett,** Professor of Epidemiology, University of York; author of *The Spirit Level* and *The Good Society* \| **Kerry Postlewhite**\, Chair\, Mainstream \| **Lara Parizotto**\, Director\, Migrant Democracy Project \| **Lexie KirkConnell-Kawana** CEO\, Impress \| **Marc Stears**\, Director\, UCL Policy Lab \| **Mark Drakeford**\, Former First Minister of Wales \| **Mat Lawrence** Director\, Common Wealth \| **Orla McBreen**\, Deputy Ambassador\, Ireland's Embassy in London \| **Patrick Allen**\, Founder and Chair\, Progressive Economy Forum \| **Paul Fleming**\, General Secretary of Equity \| **Paul Wragg**\, Director\, Hacked Off \| **Peter Holmes**\, Emeritus Reader\, University of Sussex \| **Roz Savage MP,** Lib Dem MP\, South Cotswolds \| **Stewart Lansley**, Author of *The Cost of Inequality, Breadline Britain*, and *The Richer, The Poorer* \| **Sue Goss**\, Political Scientist\, Author \| **Susan Himmelweit,** Emeritus Professor\, Open University; Economist and Chair of the Policy Advisory Group of the Women’s Budget Group \| **Thomas Barlow**\, Treasurer\, Independent Media Association \| **Tom Brake**\, Director\, Unlock Democracy \| **Tom Chivers**\, Vice Chair\, Media Reform Coalition \| **Tom de Grunwald**\, Founder and Director\, Forward Democracy \| **Vince Cable**\, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats \| **Will Hutton**, President of the Academy of Social Sciences; author of *The State We’re In* and *This Time No Mistakes* \| **Will Stronge**\, Chief Executive\, The Autonomy Institute \| **Zoe Williams**, Guardian columnist

[Having trouble? Click here to RSVP](https://events.letsloop.app/b5bbfd58) On Sundays we play. Battersea Park, 2pm sharp, on the grass by Pear Tree Cafe — look for the net up on the open athletic fields just north of the lake. We bring the net and the ball. You bring trainers and water. About two hours of casual pickup volleyball — rotate on, rotate off, no league points, no one keeps real score. All levels. If you have never played, this is the perfect time to try it. No name tags. No 'let's go around and introduce ourselves.' No agenda. Just a game on a Sunday afternoon, with people who live nearby or are curious about the park. We play in light rain. Heavy rain, we head to Pear Tree Cafe and stay for a drink. Solo welcome. +1 welcome. Couples welcome. About two hours on grass.

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 14:00-14.15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 14:15-14:20 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 14:20-15:20 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 15:20-15:30 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

Social Spikeball session for mixed abilities. We play near Victoria park bandstand. Exact location: https://good.gl/maps/hYNjYG7GrczMRsAz5 We'll have a few spikeball sets and will be running a friendly round robin format with a warm-up at the start. Rules: Casual spike ball rules, but no worries if you don't know them. Please be on time. If you can't find the location, call my mobile on +447306712509.

🏓 Social Pickleball – Low Intermediate (Racquets included) Price - 14 pounds Time - 1.5 hours Friendly low-intermediate pickleball games for players who already know the basics and want enjoyable social matches in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for: • casual/intermediate players • rusty returning players • people looking for fun but decent-quality games • social players who enjoy competitive rallies without intense club vibes Level: Please join if you: ✅ know the basic rules and scoring ✅ can rally consistently ✅ have played before socially or casually This session is NOT suitable for complete beginners. Expect: • organized rotations • doubles-focused games • welcoming and social atmosphere • balanced games where possible • fun, respectful play and good energy For any queries, contact me on whatsapp at 07494682837 The payment to be made on the following bank account: Name: Maansi Gupta Account Number - 48854160 Sort Code: 77-19-16 Most people join solo, so feel free to come on your own or with friends 😊

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*Lunch will be provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* £5 donations suggested. Look forward to see you!

Time is precious. Here we cherish non-boring big picture chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive and curious **independent big picture thinkers** drawn to the mysteries of life, the universe and unknown. An adrenaline caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **paranormal.** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee (or amazin value Chardonnay!) Chaired by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and engagement from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, obviously no sprituality event woul be complete without practical tools so there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? Molecular Biologists have shown that just like plants - our cells give off resonant frequencies between 10 & 180 kilohertz - could this be a source of non-verbal communication like telepathy? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** boost **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) naturally vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSDand if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? Was **Abraham Lincolm** precognizant when he dreamt his own fatal assignation? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do NDEs suggest something beyond physicality? Were Steve Jobs final words "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow" before he died (New York Times) visions of an afterlife or just neurochemical changes / drugs playing tricks? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Given the irrefutable scientific evidence for evolution at both micro and macro scale, denying it is basically delusional as thinking the earth is flat. But could panspermia explain the origin of life 11. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 12. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet inside the pub upstairs - located in Islington, 4 seconds walk from Highbury & Islington station or 12 mins from Angel station. l I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location. For stargazing we will walk to park 5 mins away around 7.30pm Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answer

**★We partnered up with SPORTAS. To sign up, use the following link:** **★ MIXED-LEVEL INDOOR BASKETBALL SESSION** * For this session, anyone is welcome (Female, Male, old and young. You don’t need to be experienced or competitive. Just relax, take it easy and have fun! It is a great session to make new friends! **★ Key points** * Max 32 players * Winners stay 2-3 times in a row (full court) * Winners stay for good (half court) * Full-court games, but may switch to half-court games depending on the turnout * Call your own foul * Avoid hanging on the ring; you will be liable if you break the ring! **★ Join IBG WhatsApp group!** * Joining our WhatsApp group will allow you to stay connected! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IDZI1LIIkz6DCW3SlSLH90](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IDZI1LIIkz6DCW3SlSLH90) **★ Follow MIKFIT on Instagram to see game highlights** https://www.instagram.com/mikfit_2021/ See you on the court! Wish you peace, love and sweat. MIK FIT

**✨ Date Night on Zoom for Sutton Singles Mutual Matches After** As a participant, you'll engage in short one-on-one Zoom rounds with compatible Sutton singles sorted by age and personality, as a welcoming host takes care of everything. Prior to the event, you take a quick personality and preferences survey — those answers are used to pair you intelligently with Sutton locals, so you walk in with the right people already lined up. When the session ends, we share who chose whom — without any awkward one-way messages — and you follow up whenever it suits you. **Age-grouped registration — select yours:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Sutton&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Sutton&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Sutton&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Sutton&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) **⚠️ Confirmation needed:** This rsvp is not enough to hold your place in the rounds, so register through your age group link above and complete the personality quiz — places close once the group is full so sign up early, and the registration is what actually counts, not the RSVP. --- **Ideal if you are:** - Returners around Sutton done with unread messages and dead-end conversations and want to talk to real people tonight. - Professionals based in Sutton getting away from swiping left and right with no results and want to meet real locals without the faff. - Women and men calling Sutton home moving beyond the app treadmill that goes in circles and are looking for real connection. - Daters in the Sutton area fed up with swiping with nothing to show for it and are ready for a genuine first impression. - Those in the Sutton area who have given up on swiping with nothing to show for it and want to talk to real people tonight. **How the evening works** 1. **Lock in your place** – by tapping the link for your age group, then fill in the personality matching questionnaire, because registration closes once spots fill. 2. **Get online** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, no Zoom account is needed — just click the link, and a friendly host manages everything once you are on. 3. **Rotate through dates** – quick back-to-back rounds with age-matched Sutton locals paired by quiz, while a host ensures every round feels natural, because the format is built so every round is worth having. 4. **See your results** – we share mutual match results after the session closes, as your data only goes to someone who matched you back, and the next step is entirely in your hands. **Quick Details** - **Format:** Live via a live hosted call with back-to-back private rounds per pair, quiz-and-age matched for every single round. - **Where:** No venue required — on any internet-connected device, all tech requirements are camera mic and Wi-Fi, and you just pick your most comfortable spot and join. - **Host:** A real human host takes care of all the logistics from beginning to end, giving the whole session a relaxed and easy feel — from opening to close everything is taken care of. - **Vibe:** Relaxed short conversations with genuine Sutton singles, and the conversation always feels more real than an app date. - **Duration:** Most sessions run for an hour and change from first round to last, and you will barely notice the time. 💡 **Worth knowing:** test your camera and mic before the event, because the first impression starts before the first word, and a few minutes of prep makes a big difference to the whole evening. --- ✨ Done with apps — start here — book your spot above and you are completely set as soon as you are ready. See you on the other side. 🌈 ✨

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Hosted by OSU Extension Summer 2026 Food Preservation Workshops Join Shari Gallup from Ohio State University Extension, for a summer food preservation series at the Bryn Du Mansion. Discover how to safely preserve food at home. Learn basic food preservation methods including pressure canning, water bath canning and drying. June 4 - Water Bath Canning July 9 - Pressure Canning August 6 - Drying Fruits and Vegetables We're excited to once again welcome Shari Gallup from The Ohio State University Extension Office to lead a series of Life Local food preservation workshops. These hands-on sessions are designed to help participants learn practical, time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal foods at home. Registration is not yet open but will be available soon. Stay tuned for details on this wonderful series. Time 5:00 p.m. Location Bryn Du Mansion 587 Jones Road, Granville https://www.bryndu.com/public-events

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm