Collecting

🌌Ever look up like I do and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the big questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (almost every star you see at night has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, the 3I Atlas **interstella** **Comet** ☄️(estimated to be 8+ billion years old), the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, the Tau Ceti star system with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Dec fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (Astrobiology, SETI/Femi Paradox, cosmology, space exploration, exoplanetology, astrophysics, paleontology etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **====Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =====** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **=== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe===** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **====ITINERARY=====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **===What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJin Astronomer

**Venue:** Wetherspoon Crosse Keys. 9 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0DR Nearest station. Monument. Welcome to our 50-50 Trivia Quiz and afternoon social get-together. **Bring a pen please.** Thirty interesting tricky questions, each with two answers to choose from. (No sport or maths). Is the answer obvious or not? I set the quiz so expect surprises. Check photos below or previous events for similar question sheets. When you go on walks, you see and learn things. With this Trivia Quiz, you'll definitely be learning a bit more! Four players max per team, but the lower number teams get a point per player start from the biggest team. For example, four teams of one, two, three and four. Four player team, no advantage, (the biggest and theoretically the more knowledge between them, except it doesn't always work like that). Three player team. one point start. Two player team. two point start. One player team. three point start. Scores are always close and around the 23-25 points mark. How many players do you want in your team? There's a dilemma! Prizes of interesting flavour chocolate and one for the funniest team name. Every three weeks on a Monday at various central london Wetherspoons or function rooms. Event time is from 2-4pm, which allows plenty of time to get away for transport. Twenty five minutes for the quiz, five for marking up, and socialising time for the remainder period. There is a small charge of £4 card/cash to cover prize and Meetup costs. This is a great way to make new friends or catch up with old ones. See you there! **Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed.** **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make a walk. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

I am a native, qualified teacher of English and this is a session designed for you to go over any particular issues that you have in English - grammar, exam preparation, pronunciation, vocabulary and so on - as well as to practise your conversational skills discussing current topics. Just let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover during the session. The fee of £5 can be paid on the day in cash or in advance online. Thanks, Keith

**The 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES®** BBC, iPlayer and the Ri YouTube channel Dame Maggie's 200th anniversary series of the **Royal Institution CHRISTMAS LECTURES®** will be **broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer on Sunday 28, Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December, at 7pm.** But if you can't wait, and want to settle down to watch the full series in one sitting, then all three Lectures will be **available on iPlayer from early on Sunday 28 December.** And if you live outside the UK, then you won't miss out! This fascinating exploration of one of humanity's most enduring questions - 'Is there life beyond Earth?' - will be available on the Ri YouTube channel for international audiences following the first broadcast in the UK, **also on Sunday 28th.** **SUMMARY** On the 200-year anniversary of the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, the 2025 Lectures will see leading space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock take audiences on an epic voyage through time and space. Joined by a host of very special guests - from astronauts to history-making astronomers - Maggie will explore the extraordinary breakthroughs that have revolutionised our understanding of the universe, enabling us to see ever further into space, and ever further back in time. Maggie helped develop the James Webb Telescope, the most powerful space telescope ever created – which launched on Christmas day 2021 before travelling a million miles to begin its orbit of the sun. Unpacking James Webb’s latest breathtaking images, Maggie will reveal how this “time-travelling” telescope is now rewriting the story of the Big Bang and allowing us to witness the birth of the first stars and galaxies that followed. As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, Maggie will investigate how manned spaceflight has transformed our relationship with our nearest neighbour – and with our home planet. And, delving further back in time, she’ll explore how the night sky has always held a fascination for humanity - investigating what the moon and stars meant to ancient societies across the world. Maggie will also explain how the latest space technologies – from probes and orbiters to the most recent Mars rovers - are shedding astonishing new light on the planets in our solar system. And we’ll discover why in 2025 we’re on the cusp of even more remarkable discoveries about our universe. She will reveal just how far our understanding of space has come in the two centuries the Ri CHRISTMAS LECTURES have been around – looking back on previous Lectures on astronomy – from the first of these in 1826 to the 1977 lectures hosted by famed astronomer Carl Sagan, when the only known planets at that time were the eight in our solar system (thought to be nine at the time). Maggie will also scour the Royal Institution archives to uncover some of the original props from these historic lectures, plus she’ll recreate - and supersize - some the most memorable demos from space lectures past. In this iconic anniversary year these lectures will be a true celebration – of our universe and of the astounding human endeavours that are allowing us to solve its mysteries.

See Roller Nations Event Description for details. Hopefully we can get a group of people interested. Please book your own tickets through roller nation and let me know If you’re going to attend. Skate hire is available so you don’t have to have your own skates. When: Every Saturday Time: 7pm – 1am. last admission 11.30pm Price: £18.50 Saturdays are always the BIG ONE! Expect fancy dress, big groups and small groups celebrating special occasions, hen and stag do’s and more fun than anyone should expect from a Saturday night out in London. With Classic tunes from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s decades and beyond providing the perfect soundtrack for the early evening whilst later on the tempo picks up with vocal house and commercial RnB seeing us through until the early am. A real mixture of people who are just out to have fun night out in North London. All customers using their own skates must have either stoppers or jam plugs fitted at all times. Please note: this is an over 18 event and a “challenge 25 policy’ is in place so physical ID may be requested.

A most beautiful walk along the Regents Canal and Victoria Park by the Hertford Union Canal to arrive at the wonderful Olympic Park in Stratford by teatime. We shall set off at 10.15am and walk for about 6 to 7 miles. Please bring water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/boots or trainers. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Meetup fee £5 payable in cash or in advance by bank transfer. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

**SPECIAL NOTICE!!...** **We have now managed to secure a NYE venue... (\*\*NEW VENUE\*\*)** **ELECTRIC DREAMS** take you into 2026 with their unique mix of 80s electronic and alternative music, together with some contemporary electronica. This is a one-off event to be held at **THE STAR BY LIVERPOOL STREET** (not our regular, monthly venue, The Star of Kings) 94 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EZ (it should be the "Glam Palace" Function Room - to be confirmed) Ring in the New Year to the sound of Big Ben chimes with a great party atmosphere. There will also be a number of free giveaways on the night. **FIRSTLY**... Please say **"HELLO"** on the door as you walk in and you will be introduced to other meetup members –**POSITIVE** feedback is appreciated. **ELECTRIC DREAMS** is a long running, very well established friendly and sociable club night for all fans of the electronic / alternative 80s. Meet new like-minded friends and dance the night away to club classics. Expect to hear the likes of Depeche Mode, The Human League, La Roux, OMD, Japan, Ultravox, PSB, Soft Cell, Blancmange, Goldfrapp, Visage, Blondie, Duran Duran, The Cure, NIN, Daft Punk, Adam Ant, Ladytron, Fischerspooner, Erasure, New Order, Joy Division, Yazoo, Eurythmics, Gary Numan, Pet Shop Boys, La Roux, David Bowie, Alphaville, Devo, Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Japan, Simple Minds and so much more!! **Open from 9pm - 2am** **\*\*\*\* SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED ENTRY FOR STUDENTS - 50 PER CENT OFF IN ADVANCE \*\*\*\*** The Star by Liverpool Street is only 10 mins. walk from Liverpool railway station in the heart of The City of London. **Door time: 9:00pm, Start time: 9:00pm** 18 and over ONLY £10 in advance from Eventbrite (or much more on the door) and ONLY £5 for students in advance – so get in quick before the tickets run out as this is going to be popular. We look forward to seeing you on NEW YEAR'S EVE for a special meetup with like-minded music appreciators. Feel free to mix and socialise. The Star by Liverpool Street is at 94 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EZ VERY CLOSE TO LIVERPOOL STREET RAILWAY STATION – ONLY 10 mins WALK!!

Come along on Saturday 3rd January to visit the amazing Cinema Museum! **About the museum** The museum opened in 1986 and is a collection of everything to do with cinema-going. The collection was started by cinema projectionist Ronald Grant (who co-runs the museum today) and the collection is what he has collected over the last 60 years to do with the cinema (when cinema's were independent). The collection grew far beyond its origins as an enthusiast's treasure trove to become an extensive archive of historical and social importance, and Ronald, along with Martin Humphries established the Cinema Museum to safeguard the collections future. The museum has posters, art deco cinema chairs, projectors, ushers' uniforms from the 1940's, tickets, ashtrays and popcorn cartons, as well as an archive boasting hundreds of books, photos and 17 million feet of film. The museum is housed in the admin block of the old Lambeth Workhouse (built in 1873 and one of the few remaining workhouses in London), which has it's own movie links. As a young boy, Charlie Chaplin along with his half brother Sydney and their mother spent one year living in the workhouse. **About the visit** Before we enter, I will give a 10 minute talk on the history of the Lambeth Workhouse. I will then show you a few things in the museum, before taking you upstairs to the former Workhouse chapel. Tea & coffee will then be available and Martin & Ronald will give a talk on the museum and show a short film. Feel free to ask them any questions. Then you will be able to look around the museum. The museum is only open for group visits. The visit should last about 1h 30mins. **Cost** Entry is £13 per person for Full Members and £14 for everyone else (payable on the day cash, credit card, PayPal or bank transfer). **If you wish to pay in advance:** \- Bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- Credit card: \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO)) \- PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(\(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers)) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After we will head to the 'The Dog House pub' (upstairs) a short walk from the museum at 293 Kennington Road for a chat over a drink. If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as its a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Today we are incredibly fortunate to have an opportunity to see the work of the Italian artist Caravaggio. We will discuss his life and his art before visiting the Wallace Collection to see Caravaggio's Cupid, entry is free. Then we'll head out to apply chiaroscuro and shoot high contrast images. Caravaggio adopted *chiaroscuro* in his paintings in the 16th century- his work beautifully combines a realistic view of the human state- physical and emotional- with a dramatic use of lighting. *Chiaroscuro* is an Italian term referencing the contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro) to model three-dimensional forms. It’s a style that has quite dramatic results and one that photographers can learn a lot amount about lighting from studying. **Join us for a workshop in 3 parts:** * Part 1: Informative session on the incredibly interesting life and work of Caravaggio * Part 2: Visit the museum * Part 3: Shoot chiaroscuro style * We will also discuss street photography tips EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * Any lens such as a standard 18-55, 24-70mm etc. OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex +44 7956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa) Photo ©Caravaggio

North London Badminton Session at **Woodhouse College Sports Hall, Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, N12 9EY** Join us for some friendly badminton sessions and **we play from 5.00pm to 7.00pm**. Just bring your racket and get ready to play. The session fee is **£10 per player.** **We cannot guarantee your space until payment had been received** There are four badminton courts and we play mainly double matches with feather shuttlecocks. Advanced Beginners are welcome to join as we will have four badminton courts and one court is allocated to advanced beginners. **But if you are a new starter and a complete beginner and do want sessions with coaching do email us at info@barnetmultisportsclub.com** We are an affiliated club of Badminton England and have adult and youth sessions (including training sessions) weekdays and weekends. **Check our Instagram Page:** https://www.instagram.com/barnetmultisportsclubuk/ **Check our Tik Tok Page:** https://www.tiktok.com/@barnetmultisportsclub **Join our Facebook Group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1576047169442887/

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Okay, you (at least some of you) asked for it — here it is... **"An Evening with DXO Labs (NIK Collection 8)"** For many, many years, the NIK Collection of photo editing tools has been the coveted add-on of choice for many photographers. To know the story of the NIK Collection is to know happiness, angst, celebration, and innovation. But more of that at the meeting! I will spend a couple of hours going through the most useful tools in the NIK Collection and showing how I use them in my editing workflow. If you aspire to elevate your editing skills and produce better-edited images, this set of tools is worth a look! Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. I've been hardware hacking a See N Say to make it say whatever I want - while the project is in progress still, it should be working by this meetup! I'll bring it for demo. [See N Say Project](https://github.com/cdeever/esp32-see-n-say) While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

At *Energize and Elevate*, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!