Social Impact of Technology

###### **Tuesday Social Easel at Kensington, V&A and Natural History Museum** **Join our free art gatherings across London! Connect with fellow artists and enjoy drawing and painting in scenic locations!** **Meeting Point:** *NHM Garden Kitchen Café, [Cromwell Road](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=9e0db00a775d1246&rlz=1C1GCEA_enGB1043GB1043&q=Cromwell+Road&source=lnms&fbs=ADc_l-byipRaccqV0jmfPhi1DgzPtklXGmVkws8Z_lBff884vwWzYGOXmwhR8m6ZBpcqcPJfDy6krCaYHO6Z9rIlUzUwyup5nCGESbUcqpqCNB3-Ehq8ZA-4fU-UGk2dLgAAangd76mW2JJPv51F0T66zlLOtBOu-Qb4XzmQsSLmrfaAJRFyI5BKss3oVB0LFzPUXtD03gAGIY8Ktt-2yw4Mg1QqTcZpXUrl2dZo00Zj5DQr3uY6Uv4&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWwcm8r_-RAxWnQEEAHUGMMCAQgK4QegQIAxAB&biw=1280&bih=585&dpr=1.5&aic=0&mstk=AUtExfD3JFjx7RxnJSiBezLPiBfjBny8W-4kCWsoQmtgsEqvq3-dBJphujybeNObyAH02B8U5QzwbChYjd7UsUKKI50LcAc2Nyds2JRwd-Gq7ZpT8BAO2QOAqkJgiZ3GRsAERFeA7UiMzhTON90OFZ7ii4XTwGzket0PtsmSva5j8kqkz-3nvPkzEoNc4JnB_t8Hw-3e&csui=3), SW7* ***We will meet at the Café around 10:30*** **We will gather again around 13:00** to show our artwork to each other, chat, and have some lunch. **The Café is located in the garden, close to the Exhibition Road gate. We will gather near the food area. The prices are in a typical gallery price range; you might prefer to bring your own coffee or other beverage. ☕ Since the V&A is just across the road, you can choose whether you'd like to sketch at the V&A or at the NHM. If the weather is sunny🌤️ and dry, outdoor painting in South Kensington is also an option! Feel free to create whatever inspires you. Drawing inside both museums has rules; we are permitted to use graphite, coloured pencils, liners, or white chalk (not charcoal, crayons, or wet media). Remember, large bags must be left in the cloakrooms (for a charge). Security may search your bag; sharp tools are prohibited.** **Admission is free, but booking a free ticket is recommended to avoid waiting at NHM. For ticketed exhibitions, please check the prices online. [https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/whats-on.html](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/whats-on.htmlTate)** Let’s keep the creativity flowing! [London Social Easel](https://londonsocialeasel.art/)

Looking for **business networking event in London**? Join our informal business and technology networking evening at The Light Bar, Shoreditch, hosted by GMax Card a digital business card built by founders, for founders. This is your chance to **connect with startup founders, tech entrepreneurs, and professionals across business, finance, and tech** in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. **💼 Note re contactless cards:** Free RSVP gives entry only - GMax Card card is not included. For the card, book a paid ticket when available. 👔 **Dress Code:** Smart casual. Please avoid hoodies and sportswear, as this is a business networking event rather than a fully informal gathering. **📅 Agenda** 18:30 – 21:30 When you arrive, please ask the receptionist or bar staff about the networking event. They will point you in the direction of our event area. Enjoy informal business networking in Shoreditch, London. On arrival, ask reception about the networking event - hosts can introduce you to others, then mix and mingle freely. **✅ Event Highlights** • 3 hours of quality networking
 • Ages 18+
 • In-person
 • 40 spots only **🔹 About the Event** Want to grow your network with London’s innovators? Join us in Shoreditch, London’s startup and design district, for an informal evening where real business connections happen. **Meet and Connect with:** • Startup founders & entrepreneurs
 • IT, tech & product professionals
 • Business owners & consultants
 • Finance, banking & investment specialists
 • International professionals based in London Co-Hosted by tech startup [GMax Card - get a FREE digital business card to share all your your socials and contact details instantly via one card.](www.gmaxcard.com) **📍 Venue: The Light Bar** Once a Shoreditch power station from London’s industrial era, The Light Bar is now a spacious venue where the city’s industrial heritage meets modern design. **🎯 Why Attend?** • Meet founders, entrepreneurs, tech pros and investors
 • Build valuable business and startup connections
 • Discover new ideas and opportunities
 • Network in a mid-sized group where real conversations happen **🤝 Co-organised by tech startups:** • [GMax Card – Digital & contactless business cards](www.gmaxcard.com) • [Ciitab - AI automation tool for LinkedIn outreach](www.ciitab.com) • [Getshop Today – Build an eCommerce site in minutes](www.getshop.today) **Important Details:** 🔞 Age & ID: 18+. ID may be required for alcohol purchases. 📸 Photos & Video: Filming and photography by [CineEye - video production and commercial photography in London](www.cineeye.co.uk). Images may be used for promotion - inform organisers on arrival if you do not consent. 👔 Dress Code: Smart casual. Please see above for more info. ⚠️ Liability: Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and venue accept no responsibility for loss, injury, or damage to you or your property. **✅ Register Early - Only 40 Spots!** Join an evening of valuable networking with the tech, finance, and startup community in central London. We’re excited to meet you - register now and don't forget to join this Meetup group for future event alerts!

**Neurospicy Comedy Night – London’s Funniest, Messiest Comedy Gig** Finally, a comedy night where nobody tells you to “make eye contact.” This is *Neurospicy Comedy Night*: jokes about meds, masking, meltdowns and that weird thing you said in 2009 that still haunts you at 3am. What you’ll get: \- Comics who are neurodivergent\, or at least neurodivergent\-adjacent enough to understand why you arrived early and still felt late\. \- Rants\, rambles and routines that probably weren’t rehearsed in the mirror because mirrors are stressful\. \- An audience that actually gets it **Upstairs at The White Hart, 22 Great Suffolk Street, Southwark, SE1 0UG** The Meetup chit-chat starts at 6.15 - find us upstairs! The show starts 19:30, finishes at 21:30. There's a 20 minute break in the middle because late-stage capitalism insists you spend 30 quid at the bar and buy crisps. Tickets: Only £15 - Cheaper than that free trial you forgot to cancel (or that oatmilk cappuccino in Shoreditch). [GET TICKETS HERE](https://www.jokepit.com/comedy-in/london/neurospicy-comedy-a-neurodivergent-comedy-night/53918) If you’re neurodivergent, know someone who is, or just enjoy comedy that doesn’t feel like it was written in a focus group, this is your night. For you robots out there: ADHD London \| ADHD \| Autism \| Neurodivergent Friendly \| Neurodivergent Comedy \| Inclusive London \| Comedy London \| New friends \| EVERYONE WELCOME

Having children can be a personal, national and global decision. Globally, human population looks unsustainable. But some countries are seeing greater birth rates decline than others, especially in the developed world. At a personal level, the question involves accounting for career trade-offs and other costs. So, do we really need [more] children? We'll discuss... 1\. Do we really *need* to have children? Why? 2\. Why are birth rates declining internationally? 3\. Should government policies incentivise/reward people who decide to have children? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to hear how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society—with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **Our group conversations are open and flexible - there is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the main questions, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak. Here's a typically structure, but we adjust on the day depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **EVENT ETIQUETTE (Rules & expectations)** \- Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks\! \- No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding \- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

**PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET BEFORE ATTENDING THE EVENT: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981118972176?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981118972176?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Join us for an exclusive **London Property Networking Event** designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in the property sector. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players across the industry, explore investment opportunities, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping London’s property market. ### **Who Should Attend**: * **Property Entrepreneurs**: Developers, property managers, and real estate entrepreneurs looking to expand their network, discover new opportunities, and connect with potential investors and partners. * **Investors**: Angel investors, venture capitalists, and institutional investors seeking high-potential property ventures in residential, commercial, or mixed-use sectors. * **Property Professionals**: Real estate agents, brokers, architects, and consultants eager to stay ahead of market trends and build relationships with industry leaders. * **Industry Experts**: Legal professionals, financial advisors, and sustainability consultants involved in property transactions or advising on property development projects. * **Corporate & Institutional Representatives**: Large-scale property companies and financial institutions interested in expanding their portfolios or exploring joint ventures in the London property market. *** ### **Why Attend**: * **Expand Your Network**: Connect with influential figures across London’s property sector, from entrepreneurs and developers to investors and industry professionals. Build relationships that could lead to partnerships, investment, or new business opportunities. * **Grow Your Business**: Entrepreneurs and professionals will learn practical strategies for scaling their property ventures, securing funding, and navigating challenges in a highly competitive market. * **Explore Emerging Trends**: Stay ahead of the curve by gaining insights into London’s evolving property landscape, including sustainability trends, buy-to-let opportunities, and commercial property growth. * **Collaborative Environment**: The event fosters a collaborative atmosphere, ideal for brainstorming ideas, discussing joint ventures, and discovering opportunities for cross-sector collaboration in the property industry. **Event Highlights:** * **One-Minute Pitches:** Startups have the opportunity to make quick, impactful presentations to capture the interest of investors and industry leaders. * **Open Networking Sessions:** Mingle with a diverse group of professionals who share your interest in the convergence of technology and real estate. Whether you're a property developer seeking investment, an investor looking for high-potential projects, or a professional eager to expand your network, this event provides the ideal platform for meaningful connections and business growth. Don't miss the chance to engage with the leaders and innovators driving London’s property market forward! **AGENDA OF THIS NETWORKING EVENT IN LONDON** 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Meet and greet. Upon arrival, ask the receptionist about the business networking event, and they will guide you to our designated area. 8 pm - 8:30 - Presentations 8:30 pm -10 pm: Informal networking Dress code: business smart casual. **Register now - space is limited to 50 attendees only!** **P.S. Click Follow for future event alerts!**

Your survival depends on knowing who you can rely on. But how can you tell who your real friends are? How can you determine if a person will help make a joint venture successful? Is there a way to predict behavior? Yes. There are fundamental elements to human behavior. When you know them you have insight into your fellow man, and just by observing how people act, you will know *everything* about them. #### On this lecture you will learn: * The important role of trust in human relationships. * The Hubbard Chart of Human Evaluation—the tool to know true character and predict what people will do. * How to evaluate others accurately and guarantee a more certain future for yourself and those you care about. With the knowledge you learn on this course, you will have tools to know who you can trust and who you can depend on. *“Trustworthiness is a highly esteemed commodity. When one has it, one is considered valuable. When one has lost it, one may be considered worthless.”* *—L. Ron Hubbard*

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/whats-on/shape-gravity](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/shape-gravity)** **SUMMARY** #### Part of: [The Geometry of Nature and the Shape of Things](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/series/geometry-nature) We often take for granted that planets, shaped by the force of gravity, are spherical. However, a closer look reveals that the Earth is not a perfect sphere—it is slightly squashed. But is it squashed like a pumpkin or more like a peanut? And is the sphere truly the only possible shape for a planet? As planets grow larger and must sustain increasingly extreme forces, can we still assume they maintain a spherical shape? These seemingly simple questions have fascinated scientists and mathematicians since the time of Newton, giving rise to profound mathematical theories that deepen our understanding of the universe. **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.

SASH and London Friend are running a support group for Queer people with an East or South-East Asian background (including mixed heritage) to share lived experiences, joys, fears and questions around sexual and mental health. This is a non-judgemental, inclusive space, which will let you connect with people from the community and address cultural barriers or stigmas you might have experienced. This can also be a space for you to connect and learn more about the community. The QESEA group is a social drop-in where people can join at any time. The structure of the drop-in goes as followed: * 7pm-8:30pm: introductions and group discussion * 8:30pm-9pm: social break out The group will be facilitated at the London Friend building near Kings Cross. Upon arrival, please ring the door bell so the group facilitator can let you in. The group room has step-free access and there is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

More Infro and Sign: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-insight-to-impact-womens-health-design-jam-manchester-tickets-1982205961390?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

🍻 Tech Startups in the Pub – Now Twice a Month! 🚀 We’re levelling up! After 3 years of packed evenings in Shoreditch, we’re adding a second monthly event, this time midweek in Oxford Street. That means two chances every month to meet founders, techies, and startup people over drinks. 🎉 👉 What’s New * A **fresh central-London venue**: Simmons Bar, Oxford Street * A new day: **1st Wednesday** of the month * Find one of the hosts to **grab a wristband**, it makes it easy to spot who’s part of the meetup (and not a random party). 😉 👉 What Stays the Same * No agenda, no panels, just relaxed networking with like-minded people. * Friendly hosts (look for Oliver, Pedro, Rob, or Rob) ready to introduce you. * A mix of founders, builders, operators, and curious newcomers. * Drinks, chats, and maybe some new friends. 📍 Where: Simmons Bar \| Oxford Street\, 203 Wardour St\, London W1F 8ZH 🕕 When: From 6 PM, 1st Wednesday of every month House Rules * No hard selling or heavy pitching, this is a chill after-work meetup. * Not drinking? Totally fine, come for the people, stay for the conversation. So grab a drink, throw on your wristband, and come swap stories from the trenches. See you there! 🍻

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

**Kindly note that this is a paid event and the average number of attendees for our events is 60-70 people. You can register on [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-connector-at-the-institute-of-directors-london-ai-tech-networking-tickets-1983249011180?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-connector-at-the-institute-of-directors-london-ai-tech-networking-tickets-1983249011180?aff=meetup)** Connect with AI, digital & tech leaders at AI Connector® at the Institute of Directors in London. Build relationships and explore innovation **London’s High-Quality Networking Event for AI, Digital & Tech Leaders 🚀** Join London’s leading networking event for AI, digital, fintech investors, and tech professionals. **AI Connector® at the IoD** brings together solution providers, entrepreneurs, company directors, and professionals eager to explore and implement cutting-edge AI, digital, and technology solutions to drive efficiency, innovation, and profitability 📈. This is a **thoughtfully designed, relationship-focused event** that prioritises meaningful conversations, collaboration, and long-term opportunity creation 🤝. ### **Why Join? 🌟** **Expand Your Network** 🤝 Connect with like-minded professionals, decision-makers, potential clients, and collaborators who share a passion for technology and innovation. **Explore Strategic Alliances** 🔗 Discover how AI, digital, and tech solutions can work together to create powerful synergies and stronger business outcomes. **Showcase & Discover Solutions** 💡 Whether you offer advanced tech solutions or are seeking innovative tools to scale your business, this event helps you meet the right people. ### **What You’ll Gain 🎯** **Strategic Connections** Build meaningful relationships with entrepreneurs, founders, investors, and company directors. **Valuable Insights** Stay informed about key trends and practical applications of AI, digital, and emerging technologies. **Collaboration Opportunities:** Identify partners to co-create, integrate, or implement solutions that can transform your organisation. ### **Event Details 🕒** **16:30 – Event Start** Fully hosted, free-format networking focused on quality conversations. 18.00 You will be able to remain in the venue at no extra cost when the [Director Connector](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1982608749139?aff=oddtdtcreator "https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1982608749139?aff=oddtdtcreator") begins. **WhatsApp Group** 📲 Continue the conversation before and after the event by joining our exclusive attendee WhatsApp group. On the day of the event, you will receive an email inviting you to join the WhatsApp message for the event. ### **Venue 📍** Hosted at the Institute of Directors, the UK’s leading professional body for directors, championing excellence in leadership, governance, and entrepreneurship. ### **Dress Code 👔** Business attire or smart casual. No T-shirts or trainers. ### **Refund Policy ℹ️** Advance tickets are discounted and **non-refundable**, but can be reassigned to another person of your choice if you are unable to attend. ### **Event Disclaimer 📸** Photos and videos may be taken during the event for use across our social media channels and promotional materials. * [United Kingdom Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom/events/) * [Greater London Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--greater-london/events/) * [Things to do in London](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ttd/united-kingdom--london/) * [London Networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/networking/) * [London Business Networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/business--networking/) * [#networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23networking/) * [#startup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23startup/) * [#investors](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23investors/) * [#ai](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23ai/) * [#entrepreneur](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23entrepreneur/) * [#london](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23london/) * [#director](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23director/) * [#businessnetworking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23businessnetworking/) * [#business_growth](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23business_growth/) * [#business_professional](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23business_professional/)

***"The spectacle is the existing order’s uninterrupted discourse about itself, its laudatory monologue. It is the self-portrait of power in the epoch of its totalitarian management of the conditions of existence. The fetishistic, purely objective appearance of spectacular relations conceals the fact that they are relations among men and classes: a second nature with its fatal laws seems to dominate our environment."*** **\- 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*. We'll kick off with the first three chapters. Find the next here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm 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!

Hello Everyone, For this meeting, we’ll be reading and discussing Peter Gelderloos’ essay **[“The Justice Trap: Law and the Disempowerment of Society.”](https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/peter-gelderloos-the-justice-trap-law-and-the-disempowerment-of-society)** It’s a provocative text that questions what happens when social movements rely on “justice” through legal frameworks and state institutions, and how the justice system can end up weakening collective power, autonomy, and even community bonds. The essay also explores alternatives: restorative approaches to conflict, decentralized ways of resolving harm, and what “social peace” might look like without policing and prisons. Gelderloos argues that the “justice system” can harm movements even when it appears to be fair. He describes how repression can work without convictions: two people are arrested, and an entire community ends up “punished” through stress, time-drain, fundraising, legal admin, fear, and disruption — meaning the **process becomes the punishment**, even if the court later “absolves” them. He also pushes us to separate *resolving harm* from *justice institutions*. He gives examples of restorative and community-based ways of arbitrating conflict without police, prisons, punishment, or a legal code. In these models, conflict is often **defined subjectively** by the people involved, based on shared cultural values that are **not codified** into law. Resolution is **decentralized** (not one official space, not one official outcome), and responsibility is **shared rather than specialized**. Instead of punishment, communities may use **social sanctions meant to discourage harmful behaviour** — from criticism and ridicule to withdrawing social ties, sometimes escalating to ostracism in serious cases. The underlying assumption is that most people want to remain part of the community and can be brought back into relationship through accountability and repair. **Guiding questions for the discussion** • Subjective conflict: if conflict is defined by individuals, how do we prevent constant conflict or bad-faith accusations — and how do we ensure real harms aren’t dismissed? • Non-codified norms: what do we gain from not codifying values (flexibility, context)… and what do we risk (arbitrariness, bias, exclusion)? • The spectrum of sanctions: which sanctions feel acceptable in your context, and which feel dangerous? Where is the line between “discouragement” and “punishment”? • If we step away from the justice system, what practices or structures could communities use to address serious harm and protect people, without reproducing prisons and policing under a different name? Looking forward to seeing you all for what should be a stimulating and welcoming session.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

**Google Analytics Alternatives** Is it finally time to make the switch away from Google Analytics? Two-and-a-half years ago Jason Packer asked this question at Columbus Web Analytics Wednesday. Since then: Google’s Universal Analytics has been sunset, we’ve changed our name to Columbus Data & Analytics Wednesday, and Jason has released two editions of his book “Google Analytics Alternatives”. Fresh off the release of the 2nd edition of his book, we thought it was time to re-open this conversation. While people love to complain about it, GA’s market share has remained relatively constant (at least in the United States). Why is that? You won’t find any complaints about GA4 in this talk, but rather an overview of what’s currently available in the market and how to frame your decision-making process. We’ll also be giving out some free copies of Jason’s book! So even if you’ve got a “GA4Lyfe” tattoo (no judgement), there’s free books to go with the free pizza and beer. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

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.