Democratic Party

## ***🚨 Important: Meetup RSVP is not a valid ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket via our TICKET LINK!*** ## Join 120 members and guests for an exclusive night out at **Parallel 45**, Shoreditch’s brand-new private members club — a stunning new addition to East London’s luxury nightlife scene. **[Get Your Ticket Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2051850/r/parallel)** Join 120 members and guests for an exclusive night out at **Parallel 45**, Shoreditch’s brand-new private members club — a stunning new addition to East London’s luxury nightlife scene. We invite you to a night where sophistication meets cool rooftop energy, and where first impressions linger long after the evening ends. Set atop the club’s breathtaking rooftop they call **The 7th** — complete with views, mood lighting, and *yes*, the iconic pool — our guests will mix and mingle in beautifully curated surroundings. Think elevated elegance with a Shoreditch edge. From **7.30pm to 8.00pm**, enjoy a **welcome drink on arrival**, and allow our hosts to introduce you to like-minded new friends as the sun sets over the city. From **8.30pm**, guests can take over the rooftop and enjoy relaxed conversations over quiet music and luxe seating — the perfect backdrop for effortless socialising. Expect music, mingling, and an undeniably stylish crowd. And of course — download the C&C app to view the guestlist and stay connected with your new matches after the event. 📲 *Download the Cocktails & Conversation App* ## **Schedule of Events** 7:30pm – Arrival & Welcome Drink 8.30–11pm – Hosted mixing and mingling on the rooftop ## **Important Info** **Arrival:** Please arrive by **9.30pm** (the venue may charge or restrict entry after this time). **Photo ID:** Essential. **Dress Code:** Smart, fashionable, and Shoreditch-polished. The venue reserves the right to refuse entry if guests are not suitably dressed. **Age Range:** All Ages Welcome **[Get Your Ticket Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2051850/r/parallel)**

**[London Plant-Based Restaurant Week](https://plantbasedtreaty.org/plant-based-restaurant-week-london)** is a campaign by [Plant Based Treaty](https://plantbasedtreaty.org), as a part of **[London Climate Action Week](https://linktr.ee/lcaw2026)**; in partnership with [Meat Free Monday](https://meatfreemondays.com). Look out for vegan-friendly venues offering: * Discounts on all plant-based options, or a promotional deal * A new plant-based dish, or an existing one, as a special * No surcharge on plant-based milks *Know of a venue who'd like to participate, benefitting from the free publicity, please forward them this sign up link:* [https://app.smartsuite.com/form/s4fc8g4a/jVkW8VVCgu](https://app.smartsuite.com/form/s4fc8g4a/jVkW8VVCgu)

## ***🚨 Important: Meetup RSVP is not a valid ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket via our TICKET LINK!*** ## Join 120 members and guests for an exclusive night out at **Parallel 45**, Shoreditch’s brand-new private members club — a stunning new addition to East London’s luxury nightlife scene. **[Get Your Ticket Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2051850/r/parallel)** Join 120 members and guests for an exclusive night out at **Parallel 45**, Shoreditch’s brand-new private members club — a stunning new addition to East London’s luxury nightlife scene. We invite you to a night where sophistication meets cool rooftop energy, and where first impressions linger long after the evening ends. Set atop the club’s breathtaking rooftop they call **The 7th** — complete with views, mood lighting, and *yes*, the iconic pool — our guests will mix and mingle in beautifully curated surroundings. Think elevated elegance with a Shoreditch edge. From **7.30pm to 8.00pm**, enjoy a **welcome drink on arrival**, and allow our hosts to introduce you to like-minded new friends as the sun sets over the city. From **8.30pm**, guests can take over the rooftop and enjoy relaxed conversations over quiet music and luxe seating — the perfect backdrop for effortless socialising. Expect music, mingling, and an undeniably stylish crowd. And of course — download the C&C app to view the guestlist and stay connected with your new matches after the event. 📲 *Download the Cocktails & Conversation App* ## **Schedule of Events** 7:30pm – Arrival & Welcome Drink 8.30–11pm – Hosted mixing and mingling on the rooftop ## **Important Info** **Arrival:** Please arrive by **9.30pm** (the venue may charge or restrict entry after this time). **Photo ID:** Essential. **Dress Code:** Smart, fashionable, and Shoreditch-polished. The venue reserves the right to refuse entry if guests are not suitably dressed. **Age Range:** All Ages Welcome **[Get Your Ticket Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2051850/r/parallel)**

Come join us for after work drinks at Aces & Eights, the fantastic bar and music venue with a great selection of beverages and delicious pizzas (including vegan options). For the newbies, look for an inflatable animal.... Nearest tube station (northern line): Tuffnel Park Nearest overground station is Kentish town (20 min walk away)

Every week is a badminton academy for improver/intermediate/advanced standard. I also run thirteen teams that play in leagues out of the academy. Unfortunately this class does not cater for beginners! Wanting people who wish to enjoy and improve with games and advice with a coach who has played county and national level badminton, and has also played for England. Just come along, bring a racket, very friendly atmosphere! Class from 7.30 - 9.30pm weekly, £14.00 per session or £35.00 for three sessions t be paid up front and must be used within six months, payable by cash only. I have coached players from beginner to international standard. Please message me with any questions. Thanks

***They*** *say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but they're wrong!* **[FoodCycle](https://foodcycle.org.uk/who-we-are/)**'s lovely volunteers use [unwanted food](https://cityharvest.org.uk/about-city-harvest) to produce three course, [meat-free recipe](https://foodcycle.org.uk/recipes/) (tell them you're vegan) **[community meals](https://foodcycle.org.uk/community-meals/)** across [England](https://foodcycle.org.uk/find-a-meal/), that are free to all. [FoodCycle Woolwich](https://foodcycle.org.uk/location/foodcycle-woolwich/) ([map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVEi9poq68YRxQX86)\|[video](https://youtu.be/5VEIsN1aCk4)) is every Friday (with rare exception; I'm notified by text), at **[Woolwich Common Community Centre](https://www.wccc.org.uk/)**'s accessible [main hall](https://www.wccc.org.uk/gallery?pgid=l3le3lp7-1daa7232-8086-4a0d-82cb-1c2a7887d105). I sometimes help the Hosting team, and have met a few other vegan [volunteers](https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/opportunity/a1dQs000000fmvPIAQ), inc. chef and fellow [SE18 Vegans](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SE18Vegans) member John, who has a vegan daughter like me :-) P.S. You can bring food containers, in case of leftovers.

## Summer Party In West Norwood Get ready to soak up the sun and vibes at our **Summer Party** right in the heart of **West Norwood**! This is an awesome chance to hang out, meet cool people, and enjoy some great tunes. Bring your friends and let's make unforgettable memories together. Don't miss out on the fun. This party is perfect if attending alone 99% of our guests attends our events solo and socialise with others, a great way to meet new people , invite friends along too. **📍 AT MY POP UP EVENTS \| 4 KNIGHTS HILL\, WEST NORWOOD\, SE27 0HY** Join us for our summer party. We’re turning our space into the ultimate party venue for one night only, with amazing music, great company, and a FREE DRINK INCLUDED WITH EVERY TICKET! 🥂 There will be background music to begin with in order to mingle and socialise with the volume increasing to dance and show your moves. **MUSIC FOR EVERYONE – MIX OF GENRES ALL NIGHT!** We’ve got the best tunes to keep you dancing from start to finish – something for every taste:✅ Old Skool & Classic Hits✅ R&B, Soul & Motown✅ Afrobeats & Amapiano✅ Pop, Dance & House✅ Reggae & Soca✅ Chart Toppers & Party Anthems No matter what you love, we’ve got the vibe you want! **YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:** ✅ 1 FREE DRINK PER PERSON – choose from:• Alcoholic: Beer, Wine, Prosecco• Non‑Alcoholic: Soft drink, Juice, Mocktail✅ Entry to the full party✅ Non‑stop music across all genres✅ Great atmosphere, lighting & sound✅ Friendly, safe & welcoming space, just like a house party back in the day. **TICKET PRICES:** 🎟️ EARLY BIRD (Limited): £12 per person 🎟️ STANDARD: £15 per person 🎟️ ON THE DOOR: £18 per person (if available) Tickets are limited – book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets are none refundable unless cancelled minus booking fees **PLEASE DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU HAVE PAID, OR YOUR RSVP WILL CHANGE TO NOT GOING. PAYMENT TO PAY VIA LINK BELOW, CLICK ATTENDING** [Summer Party In West Norwood, Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 7:00 PM | Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/passionate-about-travelling-food-and-events/events/314972791/?slug=passionate-about-travelling-food-and-events&eventId=314972791) **WHAT TO EXPECT:** Summer vibes Dance floor space to move freely Friendly crowd & great energy Perfect for solo guests, couples, friends or groups Fully licensed bar for extra drinks **No DJ** To keep prices affordable and suit our lovely intimate space, we won’t be having a DJ. Instead, we’ve put together the perfect playlist on Spotify – and we’ll keep the music at a nice, low volume so you can laugh, talk and connect with people without any trouble. **PHOTOS** We love capturing the day! Group photos may be shared on Meetup and Instagram. If you’re camera-shy, just step aside during group shots Follow us: 👉 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/geta.sociallife/) 👉 [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1563212443940759) 👉 [Join WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LQycQS43lrK3W2vqcONBX0) 📩 Any enquiries email contact@getasociallife.co.uk

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

📢 A special community screening: The People’s Emergency Briefing #PEBuk What’s happening with climate and nature, and what does it mean for everyday life in the UK? Join us for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing - an eye-opening 50-minute film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things like: 🌧️ Extreme weather 🍞 Food security 🏥 Health 💷 Cost of living The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster (featured by ITV, Channel 4 and The Times) with appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, and a range of voices from across the UK. After the film there will be light refreshments and an open discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally. Seats are free but limited so please book in advance. If after booking you are unable to attend, we’d be very grateful if you could let us know so that we can re-allocate your ticket to someone else. Bring a friend, neighbour or family member: everyone is welcome. [Reserve your free ticket for the People's Emergency Briefing](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lewishamunity/2268532)

**90's Party In West Norwood** Get ready to dance and vibe at the ultimate 90's Party in West Norwood! Dive back into the decade of epic tunes, funky moves, and unforgettable style. Plus, enjoy a complimentary glass of a classic 90's cocktail to keep the good times flowing. This is an in-person event you won't want to miss. Come dressed to impress and let's make some memories! The Ultimate 90s Rewind Party! Dust off your bucket hats and dig out those butterfly clips—we’re taking you back to the golden era! Join us for a nostalgic blast from the past. We’re serving up the best 90s anthems, retro vibes, and a free signature "Fresh Prince" Punch for every ticket holder to get the party started! **Price £15** **Non refundable unless cancelled** **PLEASE RSVP ONLY ONCE YOU HAVE MADE PAYMENT, IF YOU RSVP WITHOUT MAKING PAYMENT YOUR RSVP WILL CHANGE TO NOT GOING.** **PLEASE PAY VIA LINK TO GET A SOCIAL LIFE MEETUP HERE** [90's Party In West Norwood Includes A Glass Of 90's Cocktail 3pm - 7pm , Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 3:00 PM | Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/passionate-about-travelling-food-and-events/events/314739758/?slug=passionate-about-travelling-food-and-events&eventId=314739758) **The Soundtrack:** We’ve curated the ultimate 90s Club Clssic and Old Skool Dance mega-mix! From the high-energy House anthems of Robin S and N-Trance to the legendary Garage vibes of DJ Luck & MC Neat, and all the Pop & Hip-Hop hits in between. It’s 100% hits, no fillers, all day and night. Taking it back to the old school with "Set You Free." Spinning everything from Summertime, Spice Girls, Ricky Martin Livin la Vida Loca and Madonna, Vogue to Biggie and Will Smith . **The Bar:** Signature 90s Cocktails Every ticket includes a complimentary Fresh Prince Punch on arrival! Looking for more? Our themed bar will be serving these three 90s-inspired signatures all day and night: plus wine, beer and soft drinks **1\. The "Wannabe" Martini** (Spice Girls Tribute)- Vodka, Strawberry Puree, Cranberry, and a Prosecco splash. Our most Instagram-friendly drink, garnished with 90s candy! **2\. The "No Scrubs"** (TLC Inspired)- Vodka, Cranberry, Lime, and Soda. A crisp, refreshing classic for those who want to keep it cool on the dancefloor. **3\. The "Fresh Prince"** Punch (Bel-Air Special)- White Rum, Fruit Punch, Pineapple, and Lemonade. A tropical explosion served with fresh orange slices and retro garnishes. All tickets include one free cocktail on arrival (must be 18+). **Location: My Pop Up Events 4 Knights Hill SE27 0HY London** Email contact@getasociallife.co.uk for any enquiries Dress Code: 90s Retro (Neon, Denim, Flannel & Tracksuits encouraged etc) Grab your crew, dress to impress, and let’s party like it’s 1999! **Important Information & House Rules** **Entry & Age Policy:** \- This is an 18\+ event\. If you look under 18 we will ask for a Valid photo ID \(Driver’s License or Passport\) \. ​ **\- Management reserves the right to refuse entry\.** **The "Free Cocktail" Offer:** \- Each ticket includes one \(1\) complimentary "Fresh Prince" Punch\. ​ \- Your drink token will be provided upon entry and must be redeemed at the bar during your ticketed session\. ​ \- Free cocktails are non\-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash\. Non\-alcoholic "Mocktail" versions are available upon request\. **Music & Atmosphere:** This event features a professionally curated 90s digital soundtrack. While there is no live DJ, the music has been mixed to ensure a high-energy, non-stop party vibe. **Refund Policy:** \- Tickets are non\-refundable unless the event is cancelled\, minus booking fees Hope you can join us as we are transported to the 1990s

**Fitzrovia – “the best place to live in London”** This social walk, led by volunteer Robert Hall, is presented by Central London Humanists for everybody who is seeking a more assured path in life. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others. This event is a guided walk of +/- 2 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 3.5 Km / 2.15 miles. Find out why The Sunday Times named Fitzrovia the best place to live in London. Certainly many famous people have lived there given the plethora of Blue Plaques. There will be a few offbeat fascinating facts about possibly the grandest building we pass – The British Museum; but there is competition for the grandest building in Russell Square. There will also be “a great architectural feature” – but not all agree. We’ll meet several “trailblazing women who empowered women in male-dominated trades”. You’ll also find out why, despite being an atheist, your walk leader attends a church most Sundays. **Date:** Saturday 20th June 2026 **Time:** 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm **Place:** Meet adjacent to exit from Tottenham Court Road underground station on south side of New Oxford Street. Exit 3 from the station. It is strongly suggested you find us using: [https://what3words.com/movie.stem.bunk](https://what3words.com/movie.stem.bunk) or the What3Words app. The nearest toilets are at various cafes or pubs in the surrounding area. **Finishes:** About 4.15 pm at The Jack Horner, 234-236 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7QN. The pub is convenient for Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road underground stations. The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started. **The formal bit:** These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry. CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so that a more accurate number of attenders can be estimated. You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely. Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons. **A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.** The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please **[click here](https://square.link/u/M2B7tJT4)**[.](https://square.link/u/M2B7tJT4) Anyone who is interested in Humanism and Central London Humanists may wish to consider becoming a member: * If you wish to register as a full member of CLH (no membership fee) please register on our website: [https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup](https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup) * If you wish to join Humanists UK and support its work to promote humanism in British life, please go to: [Humanists UK – Think for yourself, act for everyone](https://humanists.uk/) We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

**Flourishing Together: Creating a Life of Abundance in Life and in Community** **How do we create a life of abundance both in our daily lives and in community?** ***When we connect with like-minded people, know what we value most, and create life consciously -we flourish.*** Join us on this special Summer Solstice afternoon for an inspiring , thought provoking workshop, led by Maureen Simon. Together we will look closely at celebrating what you have already created as you move towards whole new next level intention. For many it is time for a reset. Transformation is in the air, and it is filled with hope and promise when we invite these qualities into our life. **Abundance and ease are available if you to invite them into your life now. Are you ready?** Join us, as we explore the opportunities and possibilities that are available to you now that you may not be seeing. We will also look at how to embrace change and new opportunities to enrich your life and to create a life that reflects what you most desire and value. **It takes a village. You are not alone. The days of flying solo are behind us. *The Living Well Workshop Series* is a safe place to get clear about your own next steps- in community.** **This workshop is the 2nd in a series of 3 on: Living Well in a Whole New World.** **Do join us for the next and final in the series on November 22nd - Living Well by Choice. Creating what's next using life's lessons and wisdom to guide you** **About the Workshop Leader-** Maureen Simon Maureen has supported 1000s in business internationally, both online and consulting side by side. Her focus has been *Aligned Business Development* as it lives alongside with-living one’s best holistic, conscious life. She has worked with people to help them to fully show up – as who they truly are, with their natural talents and gifts at the forefront of all they do. Her work is based in the metaphysical and mystical realm as they live side by side with grounded outcomes for today’s fast changing world." This is a donation based event. Suggested donation £10. Give what you can. We are a registered charity.

We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family! * **Step-off:** 10:30AM * **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking. You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp! Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207 If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436

**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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

It's Our Annual Glow Party on the next Latin City Wednesday. We will provide the glow and you just need to bring yourself and friends to dance to the best selection of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Cha Cha. Food and Refreshments will be provided. Feel free to bring your own enticing drinks. Viva Dance Columbus(2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa (Rueda De Casino) Intermediate Level 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party 15 With the Lesson 10 Open Dance Party Only Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move on the Dance Floor.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

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