Exopolitics

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

If you want to take part in any of the following and are available on Tuesday evening from 7.00pm onwards then please RSVP this meetup and confirm which option you want to undertake. If you can not make this session but would like to book for future sessions on any Tues, Weds, Thurs and Weekends in advance email us. (Confirmation of booking is required before attendance) 1. Try Dive (PADI Discover Scuba) - Introduction to Scuba Diving - Official PADI intro – This is the opportunity to try the experience of scuba diving and all the kit - £60.00 (Tues, Mon, Fri, Sat & Sun) 2. Scuba Review - Scuba diving skills review in preparation for dive season or planned holiday - £100.00. (Based in West London (Tues, Wed & Thurs) so email me to arrange) 3. Full PADI Refresher Reactivate Course - £175.00. This includes full refresher and Re Active Touch (Theory refresh) (Tues & Sun) 4. Pool Session - To try out kit and spend some time in the pool - £30.00. LOCATION OF EVENT Address is Marshall Street Leisure Centre 15 Marshall St, London W1F 7EL The fantastic leisure centre at Marshall Street in Soho, London. These facilities are perfect for our group as it is very central and the facility has just been refurbished. These facilities are perfect for any introduction to diving. The pool depths range from 1 metre to 3 metres which is sufficient for all diving training requirements. Our central London dive courses take place just behind London's iconic Carnaby Street in the state-of-the-art £38m Marshall Street leisure centre, containing arguably the finest pool in central London. This 30m long pool gives students tonnes of room to swim around in, practice their skills and fine tune their buoyancy. The pool is constantly heated to 27 degrees celsius and has a study conference room. Alternative locations available upon request and arranged by email. West London - Unit 5, Chertsey Industrial Park, Chertsey, KT16 8FH South East & Kent – Weald Way, Caterham, CR3 6EJ PADI DISCOVER SCUBA - £60.00 A try dive is also available which is a taster dive so you can briefly experience being underwater with the equipment. Have ever wondered what it's like to breathe underwater? This is an ideal way of experiencing the under water world without having to commit to a PADI course like for example the PADI Open Water. You will be assisted by excellent qualified instructors who are trained to offer you the best experience and make you feel comfortable in the water allowing you to enjoy the experience. During the scuba diving try dive experience you'll learn how to use scuba equipment in a warm pool and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world. There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It is the perfect preparation for the PADI Open Water Course. You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of one of our PADI Professionals. Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to glide around underwater while wearing it. Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full scuba certification course when you take the next step. All the equipment you will need is included in a Discover Scuba Diving experience. PADI REFRESHER DIVE/REVIEW - £100.00 If you are looking to go on holiday soon and have not dived for over a year then you will want to consider completing a scuba diving refresher course. This course will give you the confidence again prior to any planned holiday. If you haven’t dived for a while, or are a bit apprehensive about getting back in the water and want to freshen up your skills then a PADI Scuba Review is for you. Most dive centres around the world will insist that you complete a Scuba Review if you haven't dived for 12 months or longer. The course normally takes 3-4 hours. Please remember to bring along your PADI certification card and log book. PADI REACTIVE – This is the full PADI Refresher which includes refreshing of the theory as well. This is available at £175.00 and includes refreshing of all the dive skills and also the PADI theory refresh. POOL SESSION - £30.00 If you are looking to just spend time in the water and you are already qualified as PADI Open Water then you can join us for this session and spend time in the pool testing out kit and practicing. This way you will not have the pressure of group holiday diving and you can have around 1 hour 30 minutes to do what you want. If you want to undertake any of the above dives then RSVP and let me know which dive you want. All dives will need to be booked in by us and paid for so payment will be requested prior to the event itself once dive has been confirmed.

The second episode in our special series designed to open different conversations about AI, tech, and their impact on our lives. (Substack about our rationale for this event series [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/experimentsingroupwisdom/p/bored-of-having-the-same-conversation?r=445zi1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true) 😊) We’ll use the typical THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS (TEiP) method of getting into great conversations: small group discussions, tiny imaginary stories, lots of questions, and many opportunities to shuffle groups (more detail below). **The thought experiments for these events are written by special guest writer and TEiP regular, Francesca.** She’s in the middle of a fellowship at Newspeak House (London College of Political Technology) and has her finger on the pulse of many issues related to technology and its impact on our lives. (You can find her writing [here](https://themagpiebrain.substack.com/)). As Francesca alludes to in one of her thought experiments: **discussing concepts and ideas with other people (rather than asking ChatGPT) is like going to the gym for your mind.** But as anyone who has been to TEiP will know, TEiP’s lighthearted and playful atmosphere means that it’s more like a fun dance workout than crossfit or weightlifting. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at Newspeak House. Nearest station Shoreditch High Street. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4). * Have a look at the thought experiments (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - Introduction to the event * 7:20 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic and pursue new avenues of conversation. * 7:45 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:15 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:45pm - Wrap up - votes to discern general views of the room; info about upcoming events; feedback/requests for future meetups. * 9:00 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10 :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere:** * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet:** This group will be at NEWSPEAK HOUSE. The nearest Overground Station is Shoreditch High Street. Nearby Tube stations: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Old Street, and Liverpool Street. You can access the venue step-free on the ground floor. Bathrooms are available at the venue. **Please note: There is no bar at the venue, but you are very welcome to bring your own drinks.** **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about doing philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- newsletter and other writing **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[WEBSITE](https://www.alltogether.one/)** \- everything else **If having different conversations about technology, AI and their impact on our lives sounds good, or intriguing, to you, please join us :-)**

Tár is a 2022 psychological drama film written and directed by Todd Field. Cate Blanchett stars as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned conductor, whose life unravels after she is accused of misconduct. The supporting cast includes Nina Hoss, Noémie Merlant, Sophie Kauer, Julian Glover, Allan Corduner, and Mark Strong. Tár received critical acclaim, especially for Blanchett's performance and Field's screenplay and direction. At the 95th Academy Awards, Tár received six nominations, including Best Picture. Blanchett won the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress, and was nominated for the Academy Award and Screen Actors Guild Award the same category. Tár is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 21st century in numerous retrospective lists published since 2023, including the New York Times, New York, IndieWire, and Rolling Stone. Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. ... To join the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective) You can also find the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club here: [https://www.meetup.com/alloutofbubblegumfilmclub/](https://www.meetup.com/alloutofbubblegumfilmclub/) We hope to see you soon.

**Tropical Tuesdays** \- Weekly Bachata dance classes for beginners\, then short social dancing In the studio & function room \(1st floor\) at Colindale Gardens Concierge NOTE: Bachata Sensual will be taught, not Dominican Bachata. Ready to spice up your evenings with some Latin rhythm? **Location:** * In the studio & function room (1st floor) at Colindale Gardens Concierge. Address: 2 Thonrey Cl, London NW9 4DS **When**: * Every Tuesday with class starting at 8:15pm. * We recommend for you to arrive between 8:00-8:10pm, so we can start on time at 8:15pm * Spaces are limited to 30 people maximum (15 leads and 15 followers) – 1st come, 1st served! **Pricing:** * £15 per session for 1 class * £54 for 4 weeks block booking of group dance classes (needs to be paid in advance) * Otherwise, £180 for 8 weeks of group classes + 4 private classes (during the 8 weeks period). Get a further discount when you book as a couple. Couple bookings includes one lead and one follower. NOTE: Due to limited spaces, you must book and reserve your space ASAP. We do not advise on leaving it too late. **What does a group class involve?** * 5 minutes warm-up * 50 minutes dance class * At least 5 minutes of social dancing to practice what you learned. This cosy setup means more personal attention and a great vibe – perfect for learning or improving your Salsa in a relaxed, social setting. To reserve your spot, contact Mau on: 07950268600

Perhaps you wonder: What actually happens at an estuary event? Glad you asked! An estuary event is a two-hour conversation, but not just any conversation. We especially welcome people from different ideological backgrounds, different religions, different political persuasions, different perspectives on current events, in other words, we appreciate intellectual diversity, and we really like intellectual honesty and free expression. Our goal is to listen and learn, and perhaps even learn to love. We use a protocol that encourages mutual respect and openness to new ideas. There is no pre-determined agenda. Nobody comes with a prepared lesson. In a rather unique democratic fashion, each participant puts a topic on the table, and then we decide together which topic(s) lend themselves best to having an interesting and productive conversation during that session. Therefore, each session is different, because each session begins with new topics, as shared by whoever is present for that session. So if you were to join us for any given event, you would be able to put your favorite topic on the table, alongside the topics of every other participant, and then we would decide together which topic seems most interesting to proceed with. It could be yours! Of course, no-one should feel pressured to contribute. You can always pass, and just observe what happens. We like to deal with what we call the big questions of life, like morality, justice, or any other difficult question in the news today, but, to be clear, no topic is off limits, whether it is about religion, or personal relationships, or how to make friends. In the past we have delved into topics like abortion, mental health, homelessness, and even psychedelic mushrooms! On rare occasions even God makes an appearance (as a topic)! Join us on the last saturday of every month.

***Overview:*** **Intimate Candle Lit: Mandala Painting, Meditation & Live HandPan Music** A 90-minute immersive experience of live handpan music, mindful mandala painting, and deep relaxation in an intimate candlelit setting with a take home mandala journal to continue the mindfulness practice at home. Check out our instagram page @zennmeditationart for more details. **🕯️ Step Into Stillness** Surrounded by soft candlelight, you’ll enter a calm, intimate space where sound, creativity, and mindfulness merge. At the centre, Amy Naylor an accomplished hand-pan performer creates a flowing, meditative soundscape. while you’ll quietly paint your own pre-drawn mandala on a premium round canvas—guided not by rules, but by rhythm and presence. Perfect for a quiet solo experience or bring a friend (or two.) **🎨 What You’ll Experience** * A live handpan sound journey designed to calm the nervous system * Your own pre-drawn mandala canvas (round format) + beautifully designed take travel mandala journal to continue your practice at home * Access to premium paints / markers * A candlelit, low-light environment for deep focus * Individual soft lighting for your personal painting space * A small, intimate group (max 15 participants) * Tea and Light Snacks **\*No experience needed—this is about process, not perfection.\*** **🧘 Why This Is Different** This isn’t a workshop. It’s not a class. It’s a meditative environment where: You slow down You disconnect from noise You reconnect with creativity The handpan acts as a live, evolving meditation, guiding your attention inward while your hands move intuitively. **📍 Location** SOMA YOGA, Wandsworth - Battersea rise A peaceful, tucked-away river side facing yoga studio designed for reflection and mindfulness. 👥 Who This Is For Creatives & non-creatives alike People seeking calm, mindfulness, or reset Couples / solo attendees Unique date night or reflective solo experience ⚠️ Important Notes Limited to 15 spots only All materials included Please arrive on time to preserve the atmosphere This is a quiet, mindful experience (minimal talking during session) See Photos from our previous event at the London Buddhist Center's Mandala Cafe

#### Details **This is an external event that we are sharing details about. Please go to [this link](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34459/invisible-rainbows-book-launch) to sign up if you would like to attend** **The Event** What if the Universe around us is far richer than we can perceive? In *[Invisible Rainbows](https://wiltonsquarebooks.com/products/invisible-rainbows?variant=53139010617671)*, astrophysicist and science journalist Dr Alfredo Carpineti reveals the extraordinary hidden universe beyond the limits of human vision and how we have learnt to harness it. The book comes out on May 21, and we are celebrating with a launch party in the incredible Chats Palace in Homerton. You will experience a bespoke cosmic cocktail (complimentary for the first 50 people) and hear a discussion about space, diversity, and more, between Alfredo and science communicator [Dr Suze Kundu](https://www.suzekundu.com/about). There will be copies of the book available to purchase on the night (you can reserve a copy below) and get it signed, and just have a good time with some fun science discussions and music! **Event Details** Chats Palace, 42-44 Brooksby's Walk, London, E9 6DF Thursday 21st May 2026 at 6:30 PM Accessibility - Accessible Toilets, Relaxed Performance, Wheelchair Accessible FREE **Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him):** is a queer Italian astrophysicist, science journalist, and social activist. He is the Senior Staff Writer & Space Correspondent for IFLScience where he has worked for 10 years, writing over 6,000 articles that have been read by millions. He is the author of the upcoming pop astronomy book Invisible Rainbows. He is the chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ in STEM and founder of the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM.

🎉 **Hey London & Southern England Childfree Friends!** 🇬🇧 📅 **Date:** last Saturday of the Month 🕖 **Time:** 15h/3 PM - Whenever 📍 **Location:** Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR I'm so excited to announce that even though I'm back in Portugal, the Londoners are keeping the childfree meetup momentum going—something I’m incredibly thrilled about! 🥳 **This is an ongoing monthly meetup without me physically present and run by y'all**, and I couldn't be prouder of our community! 👯‍♀️✨ **Event Details:** * 🤝 **Who:** This meetup is for **childfree individuals, meaning anyone who doesn’t have or wants kids**. It’s the perfect opportunity to find like-minded people, share stories, and build lasting friendships. Whether you're a local or just passing through, everyone is welcome! 🫶❤️ * 🍕 **What:** Dinner, drinks, and great company at Mercato Metropolitano, an iconic market in London known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food, craft beer, and artisanal shops. With plenty of food and drink options, there’s something for everyone—**including vegan and vegetarian options!** 🍻🍽️ * 📍 **Where:** Mercato Metropolitano offers plenty of space for large groups, making it the ideal spot for our gathering. You can explore its variety of stalls or simply relax and enjoy the evening. [Website: MercatoMetropolitano](https://mercatometropolitano.com). * 📓 **Please Note:** The meetup is free, but you'll be responsible for any food or drinks you purchase during the event. 💸 * 🎉 **Why You Should Join:** If you're ready to enjoy a casual evening with people who share the childfree lifestyle, this is the perfect opportunity. Our meetups are all about having fun, connecting with new people, and building a supportive community. 💫💬 * ⏰ **Arrive & Leave:** Feel free to arrive and leave as it suits you. Come for the entire evening or just pop by for a drink—no pressure! 🍷✨ * 📱 **Join the WhatsApp Group:** Stay in touch with the group and make it easier to connect on the day of the event. It’s also a great way to keep the conversation going afterward. 🔗 (You just need jump on my email list and you'll get access to all the Unapologetically Childfree™️ WhatsApp Groups: [https://maggiedickens.com/childfree-group-chat](https://catharticcounseling.com/childfree-group-chat)) **Unapologetically Yours** 🫶 **Maggie Dickens** **Host of the Unapologetically Childfree Community + Podcast** **Instagram: @MaggieGetsREAL** 📣 🚨 **Important: Event Participation Agreement** This Event Participation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Maggie Dickens, owner of the Unapologetically Childfree™️ Community ("UCC"), and the Participant ("Participant"). By attending the event, the Participant agrees to the following terms: 1\. Disclaimer of Affiliation and Liability 1.1 No Affiliation with Third-Party Vendors: The UCC has no affiliation with third-party vendors at the venue. Participation in any activities or purchases from vendors is at the Participant's own discretion and risk. 1.2 No Financial Remuneration: No member of the UCC receives financial compensation from third-party vendors, and this is subject to change without notice. 1.3 Waiver of Liability: The Participant agrees to waive all liability and hold Maggie Dickens and the UCC harmless from any claims or damages arising from participation, including physical injuries, property damage, or financial loss. 2\. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk 2.1 Participation is entirely voluntary, and the Participant assumes all risks, including any injuries or losses. 3\. Photography and Marketing Consent 3.1 The Participant consents to being photographed or recorded during the event for marketing purposes. 3.2 The Participant grants the UCC the right to use their likeness for promotion without compensation. 4\. General Provisions 4.1 The Participant is responsible for any costs incurred during the event. 4.2 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and can only be modified in writing. 4.3 This Agreement is governed by applicable laws.

You can be surrounded by eight million people and still feel like no one knows your name. You pass the same faces on the same street every morning. You hear your neighbours through the walls, their arguments, their music, their laughter. But you've never spoken. The city promised connection. It delivered proximity. Is proximity without intimacy crueller than actual solitude? If everyone is lonely, who's keeping us apart? Who is responsible for the stranger next door? Here is a documentary about Joyce Vincent that is related to this topic: [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1819513/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1819513/) *Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comments below.* —————————————————————————————————————————————— **💛 Support The Examined Life** Enjoying the discussions? Please consider donating, it keeps us running. 👉 Donate here: [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Join our Telegram group chat** Stay connected between sessions: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **About the session** The Examined Life "Let's Discuss…" session is an open, welcoming discussion, no prior reading or expertise required. Format: * **13:15** Free-flowing group discussion on the topic * **14:00 (ish)** We split into smaller groups for deeper conversation on what interests you most * **16:00** Official end of the meetup. Most attendees stay on and keep chatting until around 18:00 —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Please RSVP accurately** Please update your RSVP if plans change, it helps us plan and frees up spots for others. —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Artwork:** A Frozen River by a Town at Evening 1665 by Aert van der Neer

A **smaller, quieter, and less rushed** edition of THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS. At TEiP DEEP, we have the chance to spend a whole hour and a half on **one thought experiment**, exploring different perspectives, coming up with new questions, listening and learning from one another. **How it works:** \- We split into small groups for each chapter of the thought experiment \(3\-4\)\. \- We shuffle every 25 mins to meet new people and change things up\. \- And at the end we'll have a brief group reflection\, sharing ideas and insights \- this will be lightly facilitated to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak if they want to \(no pressure\)\. Some simple ground rules to keep our conversation the best it can be: * respect for one another’s perspectives, beliefs, time (etc.) * confidentiality of personal stories * own your perspective * you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Our aim is the same as our bigger Thought Experiments in Pubs meetups: **a chance to meet and talk at about meaningful, thought provoking things**. Although we’ll be going a bit ‘deeper’, we’ll keep the intention to have an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun. Places are limited to 15-20 people and tickets are £5. Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend so that someone else can have your place. **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc. etc.... **Where we'll meet:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. Looking forward to meeting & talking with you :-) #inclusivity #openmindedness #deepdive #TEiPdeep #philosophy #greatconversations **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- reflections\, invitations and newsletter **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- ditto **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else

**FREE Salsa / Bachata dance taster class** \- Come try Salsa or Bachata for FREE at Park View Healthclub\, Colindale\. You are only allowed to attend a maximum of 2 classes. This is not a progressive dance course. This is offered to welcome newbies to Salsa or Bachata. **NOTE**: Salsa Crossbody on 1 (LA style) & Bachata Sensual will be taught, not Bachata Dominican or Cuban Salsa or Colombian Salsa. Ready to spice up your evenings with some Latin rhythm? **Location**: * Park View Healthclub, 6 Heath Parade, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, London, NW9 5ZN **When**: * Every Friday with class starting at 7:45pm sharp Spaces are limited to 12 people maximum (6 leads and 6 followers) – 1st come, 1st serve basis). **Pricing**: * FREE to attend but you must be a Park View Healthclub member. To become a Park View member, click **[HERE](https://parkviewhealthclubs.com/pages/join-colindale).** **NOTE**: Due to limited spaces, you must book and reserve your space ASAP. We do not advise on leaving it too late. To reserve your spot, contact Mau on: 07950268600

***"In this complex and terrible development which has carried the epoch of class struggles toward new conditions, the proletariat of the industrial countries has completely lost the affirmation of its autonomous perspective and also, in the last analysis, its illusions, but not its being. It has not been suppressed. It remains irreducibly in existence within the intensified alienation of modern capitalism[.]"*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. This is meeting two, where we'll be reading the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters. Find the classic text here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Or an alternative, possibly more readable translation here: [https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf) Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

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ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.