Hawaiian Culture

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

**This is a ticketed event for £10, purchases available at [eventbrite here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/philosophies-of-east-west-first-evening-tickets-1982072570414?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1ynpvct%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTQxMTAzNjU3LjE3Njk3ODM4NTk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3Njk4NzEwNzckbzMkZzEkdDE3Njk4NzE5NTMkajQ5JGwwJGgw).** Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and being a philosopher essentially means having an active attitude and awareness towards life. We are all born philosophers, with a natural need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has tried to pass on its wisdom, leaving us a vast heritage of useful knowledge and experiences to rediscover. Explore the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history and their relevance and practical application for our lives. This first evening can be attended for £10 as a standalone introduction to **Philosophies of East & West** however if you are interested in learning more about the full 18-week course and applying, please visit [philosophiesofeastandwest.org](https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/ "https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/")

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

Unisciti a noi! Pratica l'italiano in modo divertente chiacchierando con madrelingua provenienti da diverse parti d'Italia. 🌳 **Location:** The Lion & The Unicorn - J D Wetherspoon 📍 **Meeting point:** Waterloo Station, York Rd, London SE1 7ND == **Look for a scarf with "ITALY"** 🕛 **Orario:** 19,00 - 20,30

**Whose knowledge is centred in design? Whose voices are heard, and whose are overlooked?** Join us for an interactive workshop that goes beyond surface-level inclusion to critically explore power, culture, and equity in design practice. **What’s the event about?** We want to create a space where we can talk honestly and practically about what it means to go beyond inclusive design — to question who design is for, how it’s done, and how we might do it differently. It’s not a lecture, nor is it about having the “right” answers. It’s about exploring the topic together in a way that’s open, hands-on… and a bit of fun too. This event will include an interactive activity designed to provoke thought and discussion about what it means to design beyond inclusivity, creating space for deeper shared reflection. **Who’s it for?** This is for anyone working in or around design — whether you’re in services, research, strategy, policy, or community roles. You might: •⁠ ⁠Be curious about the term “decolonising” but not sure where to start •⁠ ⁠Feel a bit disconnected from this kind of conversation •⁠ ⁠Be looking for a more grounded, less academic way in •⁠ ⁠Just want to meet others thinking about design and equity in new ways **What can you expect?** •⁠ ⁠A hands-on group activity inviting you to explore an unfamiliar world, challenge assumptions, and think differently about power, culture, and design •⁠ ⁠Facilitated group reflection and conversation on how we talk about — and act on — the idea of decolonising design in our work •⁠ ⁠Informal conversations and networking at the pub to follow What you’ll take away •⁠ ⁠A practical framework you can adapt or reuse in your own work •⁠ ⁠A more grounded sense of what “decolonising design” can mean in everyday practice •⁠ ⁠A chance to connect with others exploring similar questions Whether you're completely new to decolonising design or already working with these frameworks, you'll find space to reflect, learn, and connect with others navigating similar questions. **About the Ticket** The ticket cost is to hold your place and ensure commitment from attendees. **All participants who attend the event will be offered the option to request a full refund of their ticket price.** This approach helps us plan effectively while remaining accessible to those with financial constraints. Come ready to participate, question, and imagine design differently.

Дорогие друзья! Я приглашаю вас на встречу для практики русского языка как иностранного 🎉 📍 Где: Southbank Centre 🕖 Когда: каждый четверг в 19:00 💷 Стоимость участия: £5 В отличие от нашей традиционной встречи в пабе, это занятие будет более структурированным: • вы получите раздаточные материалы (handouts); • мы будем обсуждать интересные темы, делиться мнениями, дебатировать и играть — всё на русском! 🇷🇺 Эта встреча идеально подойдёт для тех, кто владеет русским языком на среднем уровне и выше, и хочет улучшить разговорные навыки в живом и увлекательном формате. Приходите — будет весело, полезно и по-русски! 😊

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

### ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: ## 🌎CACAO DANCE TRIBE: **Afro House & World Beats Ecstatic Dance + Cacao Ceremony** **(DJ & live percussion set)** **Friday Night \| 7:45PM–10:15PM** **Fruit Social: 10:15PM–10:45PM** **Tufnell Park, London** Immerse yourself in an **ecstatic dance journey** infused with **Afro House rhythms, world beats, and live percussion**. Move freely, connect deeply, and let the music take you on a powerful journey of embodiment, release and ecstasy. We’ll open the evening with a dance movement warmup, then shift to a **heart-opening raw vegan cacao ceremony** and positive intention setting ritual, tuning in together before the main dance Wave begins. **Please note:** an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite. Thank you x **🎫Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517) **🌟 Join the Mailing list for EVENT UPDATES & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **📣Join our WhatsApp Community:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t) **✨Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) **What to Expect?** ✨ Uplifting **Afro House**, **Brazilian grooves**, and **organic world rhythms** 🥁 **Live percussion** bringing fire and soul to the dancefloor 🍫 **Raw ceremonial cacao** to open your heart and elevate your energy 💃 Freestyle, expressive movement & moving meditation 🍉 **Optional fruit social** afterwards to nourish and connect No alcohol, no drugs, just rhythm, breath, and community. This is one of London’s most loved **sober Friday night dance experiences**, where you can shake off the week’s stress and celebrate life through movement. ### About Cacao Dance Tribe Founded in 2017, **Cacao Dance Tribe** was one of the world’s first **Cacao Ceremony + Ecstatic Dance** events, originally held in Camden. After a pause during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to have **revived the tribe in Tufnell Park since 2023,** co-created by the **Ecstatic Dance London** community, pioneers of the UK’s sober dance movement since 2009. No dance experience needed — everyone is welcome. We also offer limited **free crew spaces** — scroll below for details and sign-up. **Music Vibe:** Afro House \| World Beats \| Brazilian \| Organic Rhythms

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

🌱 Vegan Dinner + Bowling Night 🎳 Join us for a relaxed vegan dinner at Loving Hut on Saturday, March 14 from 6:00–8:00 PM. We’ll enjoy delicious plant-based food, good conversation, and chill, friendly vibes. After dinner, we’ll head over for bowling at Holiday Lanes for some fun and laughs 🎉 ✨ All are welcome 🥗 100% vegan dinner 🎳 Bowling afterwards (optional) Come eat, connect, and enjoy a fun Saturday night together 💚 Locations: Loving Hut 6569 E Livingston Ave Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Holiday lanes 4589 E Broad St Columbus, OH 43213