High School Alumni

**Thursday - Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is an **Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots at the appropriate level and consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

The session is Every Thursday 7PM till 10PM. This is for all levels, so after the training you will be able to play games and use what you have learnt. Just like the saying practice makes perfect. Any queries on what levels you may be or just any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. PARKING: Parking is available and Free onsite. (The postcode is E15 3PA) This at the previous address on New mount Street. Press the buzzer and they will let you in. PAYMENT: We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments. In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance. Bank Details: Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd Sort Code: 60-83-71 Account Number:69874292 Reference your name and date of the session. £13 Games IMPORTANT NOTES: We shall be starting at 7PM sharp so if you miss the start you'll have to just catch up I'm afraid. How to get there. If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school. By all means message me if you are having troubles. There is now a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up, this is in the main building while they fix the one near the sports Hall. The Badminton Collective and School 21 are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

***"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!

Join us on May 21st to learn, share, and network with some of the most experienced professionals who are passionate about AI/ML. This time, we’re excited to have **Revolut** as a special partner. Topics: \- Anton Repushko\, Lead Researcher\, Revolut: "Build Next-Generation Foundation Models in Finance" \- Nicolas Atienza\, Researcher\, Neuralk AI: "Gradient Boosting to Tabular Foundation Models: What Changed, What Didn't" \- Ivan Dolgov\, JetBrains: "Pre\-training at JetBrains: fast MoE perfectly fit for H100/200 GPUs" \- Kir Zharov\, Spinner AI: "Building the unified knowledge layer for self\-improving agents" More talks will be added soon You can submit your talk here: [https://forms.gle/wiWyD5sBqzZtCfpMA](https://forms.gle/wiWyD5sBqzZtCfpMA) If you’d like to become a partner for this or one of the upcoming meetups, message [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorshabashev/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorshabashev/) or [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirzharov/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirzharov/) In the meantime, you can watch the previously recorded talks: [https://youtube.com/@londonpytorchmeetup](https://youtube.com/@londonpytorchmeetup) Please subscribe to our channel! ❤️

Come join us and celebrate World Culture Day with art, culture, and make your own Chinese puppet! Join us in celebrating World Culture Day, a day to explore and enjoy the rich diversity of cultures from around the globe! Step into the magical world of Chinese shadow puppetry (中国皮影戏, Zhōngguó pí yǐng xì), one of China’s oldest and most enchanting art forms! Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of storytelling where intricately carved leather puppets are projected onto a screen using light. Through movement, music, and storytelling, these puppets bring ancient tales of heroes, folklore, and legends to life. It’s a vibrant mix of art, performance, and imagination that has delighted audiences for centuries. **What to Expect:** * Learn about the cultural significance of Chinese shadow theatre * Create your own shadow puppet to take home * Enjoy Chinese snacks, tea while creating your own puppet Come join us and celebrate World Culture Day with art, culture, and make your own Chinese puppet!

This **in-person theatre** and **livestream** talk is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:** **[https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may)** **SUMMARY** #### Part of: **[Notes from a Large Planet: a citizen’s guide to the Earth](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/series/large-planet)** The polar regions are still some of the most inaccessible and least touched by humans, but they are deeply linked to the rest of Earth. We will cover the history of exploring them, the challenges of measuring this environment, and the current state of knowledge about the ice at both poles. We will also cover the likely future for the polar regions – the incentives driving different actions, what science suggests about the consequences, and coming events to look out for. **LIVESTREAM TIMING** **The livestream will go live at 5.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 6.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.** For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or [visit our FAQs page](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. Gresham College has offered an outstanding education to the public free of charge for over 400 years. Today, Gresham College plays an important role in fostering a love of learning and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Please consider making a donation on their web site to support the work of Gresham College.

"Inheritance institutions shape family structures and demographic decisions, with enduring implications for economic development. This lecture describes how inheritance rules affect fertility, marriage, and migration decisions in historical and development contexts." The LSE offer lectures that are open to the public (attendance fee applies) on a variety of subjects. Let's meet outside Holborn tube station, just to the left of the main entrance on Kingsway. We will walk down together at 6.10pm on the dot. Please register for your QR code, they ask a couple of questions: [https://www.lse.ac.uk/events/development-1](https://www.lse.ac.uk/events/development-1) Please note there is an **attendance contribution of £3** which goes towards the yearly Meetup platform fee, and our organisers voluntary time, both necessary to keep this club alive and running! This fee will be split 50/50 between the host, Giselle, and the group organiser Dul, thank you. \*\*🔷**Blue Diamond Membership:** If you like this event, we encourage you to join our 🔷*Blue Diamond Membership*, for a symbolic £10/year towards making the club sustainable in the long run. This will give you some extra benefits beyond helping to keep the Club running, **including but not limited to waiving all Meetup / organisational fees set up per single event** until next Meetup's Fee renewal (September 2026). You can send us your Blue Diamond Member contribution via Revolut: [revolut.me/dulom](http://revolut.me/dulom) Or bank transfer to: Dulcinea Ortiz. 04-00-75 acct 07592035 Please include your Meetup name as reference. \-\-\- ⚠️No Show Policy : London European Club is run by dedicated volunteers, whose time is important and whose efforts towards keeping the Club active must be respected. If you don't show up to three events that you have RSVPed to, you will be banned from the Club. Changing your RSVP in the last 24 hours prior to the event is strongly discouraged.

**Open debate and discussion in small rotating groups of 3-6 people, on the theme of War and Peace (not the book). Propositions/ideas provided, and attendees are invited to develop their own.** **Propositions posted on Monday in advance of event.** **How the event works:** **Intro:** 0-15 min: **Welcomes and introductions for new members**. We come together in one big group and explain the format/framework for the discussion. A wide-ranging series of propositions will be read out, and people will be invited to step up and provide their own. People will take a vote on topics of interest and self-organise with assistance from the host into smaller groups for meaningful discussion **Main:** 30mins x 3: **Small group discussions x3** Each group will have a moderator whose job is to control the discussion, ensuring fair participation from all members, and bring the discussion back to the question if it strays excessively Discussion begins with a quick instinctive vote on the proposition; if all members agree can play devil's advocate or pick a new proposition to spark more debate Then the discussion of the proposition and the taking of a vote at the end of the discussion, noting any changes in the proposition **End**: 15 mins: all groups come back together to share interesting insights you heard from OTHER people Feel free to stay after and extend the discussion and enjoy a drink or two but the hosted/organised portion of the event will end here. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- GENERAL RULES/PRINCIPLES: \- This is meant to be a fun environment\, please put this first before anything else\, bring an open mind and warmth\, the objective here is not to convince anyone of your opinions\, nor intellectual showboating\, but rather state your case freely\, learn new perspectives\, and possibly make new connections with someone with a different worldview and background from yourself \- Opinions and ideologies may be different and even controversial or extreme\, but abuse/harassment or threats against individual members is unacceptable\, and you will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY\. Keep discussions general\, focused on issues\, not personal differences\. \- Please bring active energy and a willingness to suggest topics or take a clear preference on what to discuss or not to discuss; discourse is better when everyone is invested and contributing \- This group is not free therapy to unload your vexations with the world\, consider that you may be wrong and that other people have opinions that are different to yours :\) \- Invite other people into the discussion if you notice they haven't said anything in a while \- If you don't like your small group discussion\, please feel free to arrange yourself into another group\, or speak to me about any concerns

🌌Ever look up and marvel with insatiable curiosity at the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - through the emergence of us - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back in time and not just ask the existential questions, but try to answer them. 🚀 Join fellow big picture and deep thinkers to take a look at **Venus,** **Jupiter** along with planet's potential life‑harbouring **moons**, iconic beautiful **star fields**, the remnants of supernovae witnessed by our earliest ancestors, **multi‑star systems** reminiscent of the twin suns of *Star Wars* and even **Tau Ceti**, a star hosting two Earth‑like worlds in its habitable zone. All of this under the spring evening - with drinks, engaging conversation, and good‑natured banter — this May. In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined: Space exploration \| Fermi Paradox \| Astrobiology \| Cosmology \| paleontology\, \| SETI & Drake Equation for alien civilisations estimates \| exoplanetology etc as well as non space chats and banter too\. No doubt we'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard before\! If those don't make you laugh\, my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will\! 👽 And to help set the mood and make the night feel even extra stary, I’ll put my DJ hat to play some space‑theme tunes and songs about the stars! 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 **==== ITINERARY =====** We will meet outside H&I Station in Highbury Islington. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 5 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 Tue deadline for a unfinished client presentation or something - most of us usually head to a cosy bar for a 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 * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre of the Mlikyway 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! Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJ-in Astronomer

**Friday - Lower Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is a **Lower Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

Join us for a special edition of Deeper Discussions, where we dive into thought-provoking **fiction** that challenges perspectives, sparks imagination, and opens doors to meaningful conversations. Whether you're a lifelong reader or rediscovering the joy of novels, this is a space to explore stories that stay with you long after the final page. **This Month's Book - One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez** One Hundred Years of Solitude follows generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. It blends everyday life with magical, surreal events in a dreamlike style. The story explores time, memory, and the repeating patterns of family life. **How does it work?** * Brief introductions and reflections on what struck you most * Moderated discussion exploring plot, themes, and characters * Open conversation where different interpretations are welcomed ️ * We wrap up by sharing insights and connections made **What to Expect?** **Close Reading:** We go beyond surface-level plot summary. Expect discussions that examine the author's choices, narrative techniques, and the questions left lingering in the silence between pages. **Thoughtful Dialogue:** This isn't a race to share opinions—it's a space for genuine exploration. We listen, we reflect, we build on each other's insights. **Meaningful Connections:** Great fiction holds up a mirror to the human experience. Through discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas, we often discover something about ourselves and each other. **How to get the most out of this event?** **Finish the Book:** Please attend only if you've completed the book. Spoilers will flow freely, and the richest discussions come from those who've made the full journey. **Ground it in the Text:** Bring your interpretations, but anchor them in what's actually on the page. Quote passages. Reference scenes. Let the author's words guide us. **Respect & Openness:** Every interpretation matters. Make space for quieter voices. Challenge ideas, not people. Stay curious rather than defensive. **Why a Fiction Book Club?** **Explore the Human Condition:** Fiction lets us inhabit lives we'll never live, forcing us to confront questions about identity, morality, love, and loss. **Sharpen Your Thinking:** Close reading develops critical thinking—noticing what the author chose to include, exclude, and how the story is told matters as much as what happens. **Deepen Connections:** Discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas creates surprisingly intimate conversations with fellow readers. **Who is this event for?** * You find yourself thinking about books long after you've finished them * You want more from book discussions than "I liked it" or "I didn't" * You're curious how others interpret the same story differently * You value thoughtful dialogue over debate ️✨ * You're looking for meaningful connections with fellow readers **What's in it for you?** * **Fresh Perspectives:** Discover interpretations you'd never have considered alone * **Deeper Understanding:** Unpack themes and symbols that enrich your reading * **Genuine Connection:** Bond with others over shared literary experiences * **A Space to Think:** Slow down from the noise and engage with ideas that matter **Ready to dive deeper into stories that matter?** Join us for an evening where fiction becomes a gateway to understanding ourselves and each other. ✨ **We really hope to see you there!** **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️ **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

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

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/47960 **Game Description:** We are back after a long summer of refurbishment at the New City College for some more Basketball😎🏀🎊🥳 Come and play in a 2 hour full court mixed level basketball scrimmage 🏀 All abilities all gender are welcomed. Please check out a video from my previous session to have a rough idea of level of play below. https://youtu.be/DfLOW5N8DM8?si=HC50JEJjxPcJPCEM Video of the session will be posted on YouTube Join my WhatsApp group for future updates and join the community of 600+ ballers below. https://chat.whatsapp.com/EtHAq8ycmea9EwtvgTsQPo **Directions:** 📍New City Fitness - Hoxton. Enter via Redvers Street 🚶‍♂️3 min walk from Hoxton overground station 🚿 Showers and changing rooms available **Rules** \- Maximum 3 teams of 6 \(1 sub per team\) \- 4 minute clock\. Winning team earn 2 pts\, losing team got zero\. Tied game will see each team awarded 1 point\. \- Max 2 games in a row \- Call your own fouls\, be honest and respect the call\. Shoot for it if there is a disagreement\. \- The team with the most points will play in the finals\. \- 2nd seed will face 3rd seed team in a knock out style “Play in” game\. 2nd seed will have an advantage against 3rd seed so every win matters in the group stage\. \- two 4 mins final games\, 1st seed to start the ball with the game\. \- if after two games there is a 1:1 tie\, we play the last game\- the final game\. I will explain the rule should we reach this ultimate stage 😎

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**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.

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan