Liberalism

**Ready to learn to speak your mind with confidence?** Debait runs two in-person sessions and one online session every week Please note that the classes are at different studios: * In-person morning sessions are held on **Tuesdays at 90 Hanbury Street, London, between 7am-8.30am** * In-person evening sessions are held on **Tuesdays at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 6pm-8pm** * Online sessions are held on **Wednesdays between 7pm-9pm** All our sessions are limited to a maximum of 20 attendees which guarantees that everyone will get plenty of opportunities to speak. We don't focus on the technical side of debating. We are here to provide a 'public square' where members of our communities are encouraged to say what they think on a given topic. Whatever your background, ethnicity, belief system, political alignment, sexual orientation or any other thing that society wants to divide us by, you are warmly welcomed to our respectful and supportive club. Come join us to feel the empowering and liberating freedom to speak your mind! **All our sessions are free for first timers. However, please note that you still need to book via the website (www.debait.co.uk) to secure your place on any given session. Use code FIRSTDEBAIT to claim your free spot.**

Hello comrades! We're trying something special for this one. Longtime LMRG-heads will remember our well-attended online meetups during the Covid lockdown era, in which we were honoured to welcome attendees from all around the world. Since then, group members in the US and elsewhere have occasionally asked if we'll ever be hosting online readings again. We can finally say that the answer is yes! For this first one, we're going to take it easy with a casual discussion of the subject that's been on everyones' minds lately: the state of US politics, the ongoing rise of fascism during the second Trump administration, and the prospects for socialist organising, especially at the local electoral level, where groups like the Democratic Socialists of America have, famously, recently been enjoying well-publicised successes. We'll be talking, of course, about what Zohran Mamdani means for NYC and socialist electoralism more broadly, as well as Marxist former councilwoman Kshama Sawant's recently-announced bid for Congress and the democratic socialist mayor-elect of Seattle, Katie Wilson. Here are a few article links if you want something to read up on before the event: On Mamdani, his outlook, and the meaning of that Trump meeting: https://jacobin.com/2025/11/trump-mamdani-policy-capitalism-socialism A little bit about Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson: https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/14/seattle-mayor-elect-katie-wilson-organizer-socialist-transit Former Seattle city councilwoman Kshama Sawant's announcement of her Congressional candidacy: https://www.kshamasawant.org/why-im-running/ We're welcoming everyone, everywhere to attend this meeting, which will be held over the end-to-end encrypted video chat platform [Jitsi Meet.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitsi) Think of it like the security-conscious paranoic's answer to Google Meet or Zoom. Fear not: you won't need to download any apps, just click the link, which will be shared here in the Meetup description for this event in the next few days (check back for the edit) and we'll let you in. In future, we'll aim to hold two International Cafe meetups on alternating weeks: one for the western and one for the eastern hemisphere. Western hemisphere meetings will probably continue to take place at 8PM GMT/UTC (London time), meaning 5PM in Brazil (UTC -3) 3PM on the Eastern US (UTC -5), and noon on the Pacific Coast (UTC -8). If we get some interest, we'll also try to host meetings around noon here in London, for late afternoon in (for examples) India or early evening in China. Take care and hope to see you there!

This week we'll look at the third chapter of [Science and Human Values](https://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/students/envs_5110/bronowski_1956.pdf), by Jacob Bronowski. In this work Bronowski contends that science is not merely a technical method, but instead is grounded in the same philosophical principles which characterise an open society. These values include honesty, freedom, and tolerance of uncertainty and, he argues, abandoning them leads to intellectual and moral disaster. Please read the chapter before attending.

**Welcome to Networx London!** Are you a tech professional, digital innovator, or IT leader looking to connect with others driving the future of technology and business? Join us for a relaxed and engaging evening designed for innovators, leaders, and changemakers in digital and IT sectors. Whether you're a product lead, developer, IT manager, investor, marketer, or aspiring founder—this is your space to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, and spark new opportunities. We start at **6:30 PM** with a warm welcome and light icebreakers to get conversations flowing, followed by **open networking all evening**. No formal pitches—just real connections, fresh ideas, and meaningful relationships in a friendly, laid-back setting. 📍 **Venue: The Refinery Regent Place, Warren St** Located in the vibrant Regent Place area, The Refinery offers a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere perfect for networking and socializing. With its modern interiors, spacious layout, and relaxed vibe, it’s an ideal spot for after-work drinks and professional gatherings. Just a short walk from Warren Street station, it provides the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and new connections in a chic but unpretentious environment. Come join us, grab a drink, and grow your network—one great conversation at a time. 📅 **Event Schedule** **18:30 – 19:00 \| Welcome** Kick off with a warm intro and fun icebreakers to set the tone. **19:00 – 19:30 \| Meet & Greet** Mingle and network in an open, friendly setting. **19:30 – 21:30 \| Informal Networking** Free-flowing, informal networking all evening—no sales, no pressure. Just authentic connections with amazing people. 💡 **Why Attend?** **🤝 Build Valuable Connections** – Network with business leaders, investors, and professionals across London. **🚀 Unlock New Opportunities** – Discover potential partners, collaborators, or clients. **📈 Stay Informed** – Gain insights into the latest trends in tech, finance, startups, and entrepreneurship. This event is perfect for anyone seeking to expand their professional circle, grow their business, or gain fresh perspectives from a dynamic mix of professionals. 👥 **Who’s coming?** This event is ideal for digital entrepreneurs, IT professionals, tech innovators, marketers, investors, product managers, creatives, and anyone curious about the future of digital transformation and technology. **🎟 Tickets & Entry:** o avoid the venue getting overcrowded and ensure everyone enjoys an amazing night, we've introduced a small ticket price to keep things running smoothly. 📸 **Event Photography:** Please note that photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. **Note**: Proof of ID required for alcoholic beverages. 18+ only. 🔗 \*\*Join our WhatsApp group to connect before and after the event:\*\*👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg "https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg")

Sunset Boulevard is a 1950 American dark comedy film noir directed by Billy Wilder and co-written by Wilder, Charles Brackett and D. M. Marshman Jr. It is named after a major street that runs through Hollywood and western Los Angeles. The film stars William Holden as Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter, and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a former silent-film star who draws him into her deranged fantasy world, where she dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen. Erich von Stroheim plays Max von Mayerling, her devoted butler, and Nancy Olson, Jack Webb, Lloyd Gough, and Fred Clark appear in supporting roles. Director Cecil B. DeMille and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper play themselves, and the film includes cameo appearances by silent-film stars Buster Keaton, H. B. Warner, and Anna Q. Nilsson. Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards (including nominations in all four acting categories) and won three. It is often ranked among the greatest movies ever made. As it was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1989, Sunset Boulevard was included in the first group of films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. In 1998, it was ranked number 12 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 best American films of the 20th century. 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.

This House Believes UK Museums Should Return Artefacts to Their Countries of Origin **Why Are We Having This Debate** Should museum artifacts be repatriated? Who actually owns the artifacts? Are there any legal obligations to return artefacts? **Articles** [List of contested artefacts at the british museum - British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection "https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection") [Public opinion polls on the topic - YouGov](https://yougov.co.uk/entertainment/articles/36778-should-britain-return-historical-artefacts-their-c "https://yougov.co.uk/entertainment/articles/36778-should-britain-return-historical-artefacts-their-c") **Come along and have your vote!** **What To Expect** 3v3 panel debate where our members explore the strongest arguments for a given topic. A debate should tell the audience what they need to know and not just what the speakers think. If you feel the same way, then we want to meet you. Debate London is the year-round series of free public debates held across London. The series is run by Debate London, a social enterprise that helps its members to advance their personal and professional development by teaching them how to debate. All of our speakers are club members who have agreed to defend a particular perspective the audience need to hear, rather than just share their own personal opinion. After presenting the point of view assigned to them, the audience are then given the floor to cross-examine them and share their own position. The only time we hear what the speakers really think is at the end of the debate when they tell us where they really stand and whether this changed at all while learning how to defend the perspective assigned to them.

HELLO HELLO!! We'll be at the THE CAMBRIA today as per EVERY WEDNESDAY!! 🥳 🌟 We'll have wonderful professional Life Model modelling for us tonight 🌟 We'll run a SHORT or LONG POSES SESSION (depending on the week) with POSES from 2 to 30min. 🌟 Check out our INSTAGRAM page for more information! https://www.instagram.com/Camberwell_life_drawing ALL LEVELS WELCOME ! ¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•¨•♫¸¸.•* Let's get together for some drawing and a glass of wine!! Camberwell Life Drawing is a group for anyone that want to spend a lovely and chilled evening creating some art in a relaxed, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. Untutored life drawing classes, every Monday (ar The Sun of Camberwell) & Wednesday (at The Cambria) evening from 7pm to 9pm. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/a/event_464082378.jpeg *£14 per session (Cash or Card)* Some materials will be provided but please feel free to bring your own too! RSVP or drop-in on the night Latecomers are very welcome, too. WE HAVE LIMITED SPACE SO COME EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT* *WHY US?* Untutored Cozy room with beautiful lighting and Bohemian looking venue Relaxed, friendly atmosphere and cool people! All abilities welcome!! Don't be shy!! A glass of wine/beer for the interval & pub for a post-session wind down chat and possibly another drink. Background soft music Like us on Facebook & Instagram for more informations! https://www.facebook.com/camberwellifedrawing https://www.instagram.com/Camberwell_life_drawing

“Bootleg romanticism,” exemplified by “tongue-in-cheek” thrillers that mock the quest for values while smuggling in Romantic elements to cash in on their appeal. Join us for an in-depth discussion on Ayn Rand's view of art in Chapter 8 of her book *The Romantic Manifesto*. You can buy the full book here: [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Manifesto-Philosophy-Literature-Shakespeare/dp/0451149165](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Manifesto-Philosophy-Literature-Shakespeare/dp/0451149165)

This group is a private substance misuse support group, for individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship with drugs/alcohol. The group is facilitated by a trained and qualified Janus worker. This group is designed to offer support, encouragement and to provide a forum, that allows you to make informed choices. The objective of this group is to liberate you from the labels of addiction, dependency, illness sickness and "disease", replacing them with the more proactive terminology of choice, responsibility, self control and decision making. Janus does not use the 12 step model. It uses the Janus approach to working with substance use called "The Resonance Factor" http://bit.ly/Resonance_blog Hopefully you will find these groups informative, innovative and creative. Before entering this group could you contact CHRISTOPHER ROBIN on 07515663621 to discuss the finer details regarding payment and room number in the venue etc.

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're heading to Hyde Park in central London for our first experiment in weekday, evening running.** **Hyde Park will provide us a nice flat trail run. We'll be looking at roughly 30-45 minutes, covering around 3km at a moderate pace, ideal for beginners and intermediate runners. Whatever your speed, our organisers will always keep you in sight!** Our Hyde Park route will take us from the actual Marble Arch structure, by the Marble Arch tube station (on the Central line), south over the open ground to the long Rotten Row track running west, north and over the Serpentine Bridge crossing the lake, through the Hyde Park forest and finish out the run back at the Arch. There are [toilet facilities in Hyde Park](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/faqs) which cost 20 pence (£0.20) to access; contactless payment cards are accepted but cash is not. If you haven't got a card but need the loo, don't worry, the organisers carry cards and will gladly spot you 20p. How generous is that? I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

As life passes and things change, we may feel the good parts of our life have passed us by, and we search to bring that feeling back. How do you experience time and the passage of time? What can we do to recreate the good parts of life again? And can we even do that? Maybe the question isn't how to recreate the good parts, but how to recognize we're living in what will become a good part right now. Years from now, you'll look back at this period with the same nostalgia you feel for the past. Are you missing the actual past, or the feelings you had during it? What would it take for today to feel like a "good part" of your life? Is something genuinely missing from your life now, or have you stopped noticing what's good? \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: Man Meditating by the Sea 1820 Johan Christian Dahl

As a reader, you may be familiar with your own historical context, but does that mean you have a clear understanding of the literature of your own culture? Read, for instance, *Middlemarch* by George Eliot, without understanding Victorian reform politics, class rigidity, and the slow transition from old to modern England, and it risks being misread as a purely psychological or moral novel. This is where colonialism, postcolonialism, and neocolonialism come into play when reading the world. Without a basic grasp of how the world has been shaped over the last hundred years, world literature cannot be adequately framed in its broader historical context. It is for this reason, and because I am preparing to enter SOAS University, that the theme of 2026 will focus on these areas. The alphabetical order will be interrupted, but as soon as I finish my MA, we will get back to Barbados. We left it off at Bahrain before we jumped to India, so from Bahrain I will be proposing the following reading list. I hope I can keep up with all this reading as I have to prepare for my course and the Spanish and French reading clubs, so just in case I cannot keep up, I would like to warn you beforehand that I am not promising anything. 2026 Colonialism/Postcolonialism/Neocolonialism To develop a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected themes of colonialism, neocolonialism, development, justice, and economics worldwide, I suggest the following sequence: 1-*Postcolonialism: A Very Short Introduction* by Robert J.C. Young 2-*Contested Modernity: Sectarianism, Nationalism, and Colonialism in Bahrain* by Omar H. AlShehabi 3-*Sultana’s Dream* by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain—Bangladesh 4-*The Opium War: Drugs, Dreams and the Making of China* by Julia Lovell 5-*Rickshaw Boy* by Lao She—China 6-*The* *Motorcycle Diaries* by Che Guevara 7-*One Hundred Years of Solitude* by Gabriel García Márquez—Colombia 8-*How Europe Underdeveloped Africa* by Walter Rodney 9-*Heart of Darkness* by Polish author Joseph Conrad—Congo 10-*The Wretched of the Earth* by Frantz Fanon 11-*Homegoing* by Yaa Gyasi—Ghana 12-*Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty* by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson Some texts such as *One Hundred Years of Solitude* and *Sultana’s Dream* exceed colonial explanation and draw heavily on local myth, narrative experimentation and internal class and gender dynamics. Acemoglu’s institutionalist economics often *clashes* with dependency theory and postcolonial critiques. This is to say that colonialism will not be the only lens through which we will discuss these readings. We will continue with these themes in 2027 and cover the Indian subcontinent, North America, Orientalism, Soviet imperialism, and other areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Spanish reading club: [www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) French reading club: [www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](www.meetup.com/gaia-livres)

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

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

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!

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.