Universe

On Wednesday 8th of April, public rallies and other events are taking place around the world in support of greater funding for research into longer healthy lifespans. [The Fund Longevity website](https://fundlongevity.org/en/why/) makes the case as follows: ***Aging Is a Problem***: Aging kills around 110,000 people every day. It is the primary risk factor behind nearly all major non-infectious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond statistics, aging causes decades of frailty, pain, and loss of independence. It is the greatest source of human suffering that is being accepted as "normal". ***This Is Personal***: Everyone you love will age, suffer, and die because of it. So will you. If we had the ability to prevent this, choosing not to would be deeply unethical. If we can stop aging, we should. ***Stopping Aging Is Possible***: Aging is not a mystery or a force of nature. It is a biological process — and biological processes can be studied, modified, and treated. Over the past decades, scientists have identified many of the core mechanisms that drive aging at the cellular and molecular level. While our understanding is incomplete, it is already sufficient to begin developing real therapies. ***What Do We Mean by "Stopping Aging"?*** We mean treating aging as a medical condition. The goal is to restore and maintain youthful biological function — roughly equivalent to being in your twenties — for as long as you choose. This would prevent or reverse age-related diseases instead of treating them one by one. ***Is This Really Realistic?*** Yes. Thousands of scientists have publicly stated that aging is a solvable problem in the [Dublin Longevity Declaration](https://dublinlongevitydeclaration.org/). Research already shows that aging can be slowed, paused, or reversed in laboratory organisms. Some animals exhibit negligible aging or extreme longevity. Nature has already demonstrated that aging is avoidable — humans simply haven't applied these solutions to ourselves yet. ***Is It Difficult?*** Extremely. Reversing aging in humans will likely be more difficult than landing on the Moon. It will require entirely new biotechnologies and breakthroughs that don't exist yet. We will need to remove senescent cells, repair or replace damaged tissues, and solve many other problems we don't fully understand. This is one of the most difficult challenges humanity has ever faced, but just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible. Many scientists agree that there are no fundamental laws of physics that prohibits stopping aging. Nature has done it in several animals already, like the hydra. ***What's Missing?*** Scale. Today, fewer than a thousand people worldwide are seriously working on solving aging — researchers, biotech founders, and advocates combined. That number needs to grow by at least 1000×. There is no major government agency dedicated to ending aging. Funding is fragmented. Regulation is outdated. Public urgency is nearly nonexistent. This will not change on its own. ***Why We Act***: Aging is the largest cause of death and suffering on Earth. Solving it requires a society-wide effort — scientific, political, and cultural. That's why we organize. That's why we demonstrate. That's why we demand action. Join us — and help make aging optional for humans and animals.\* == London Futurists gathering on 8th April == The arguments for greater funding for longevity science are strong - but at least a dozen arguments are often raised in opposition to such funding. In our gathering in *Ye Olde Cock Tavern* in Fleet Street, we'll take the opportunity to review these arguments - debating their merits, taking them apart brick by brick, and exploring what really lies behind these arguments. *Anyone who wishes to make a short presentation on this topic during this gathering should contact the organisers in advance.* == Schedule == 5:30pm: The room is available, for early get-togethers 6pm-6:45pm: Food is served; informal conversations 6:45pm-8:30pm: A number of interactive conversations, interspersed with opportunities to visit the bar 8:30pm: Informal networking == RSVP please == Registrations are capped at 40 people. *First-time attendees are welcome.* There's no charge to register or attend, but the pub will expect everyone to order at least one drink, and a reasonable number of attendees to [order some food to eat](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern/menu?type=main+menu). Please order your food on your arrival, so that all plates can be set aside by 6:45pm to allow everyone to concentrate on the main discussion! == More about the venue == Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, Holborn, London, EC4Y 1AA See [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern) We'll be meeting in the room at the top of the stairs, though drinks should be ordered from the bar on the ground floor. \*\* Note that this is an in-person meeting, and there will be no remote access, sorry \*\*

Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+) Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes. No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program. Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information. OR Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom. See you soon!

**It's time for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie!!** Wednesday 8th April Vue West End (Leicester Square) 8:15pm (with pre social before) https://www.myvue.com/book-tickets **Book your own tickets for this event** and join us for the pre social if you so choose. At the time of writing this (1st April) we have booked seats H12-15. **Pre social - 6:30pm - 8pm** Bunga 90 167 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PG **Event Coordinatoon** Join our whatsapp announcements https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYxo1GonGIbIvLlS6CpG8S **Support the community** Events are all run by volunteers which includes hosting, graphic design, admin. There are also high subscriptions for listing events plus allies the requirements such as nametags, posters and other things during events. Please donate yearly if you are able. this allows everyone the ability to socialise at all our other free events. Name: Mark Geer Account number: 03450947 Sort code: 04-00-04

Please read the full description! **Spanish Conversational Club** **Club de conversación en ESPAÑOL** **How does it work?** The Spanglish club is for all people wanting to improve their Spanish outside of a class room. Depending on numbers, there are going to be groups of max 6 people, the groups will be Beginners (A2), Intermediate and Advance. Each group will have a Spanish native speaker who can help you with your Spanish :) We will first meet our table amig@s and socialise, then we will make a fun and interesting activity for you to have a better Spanish speaking experience. Please book only if you are 100% sure to attend as there will be other Spanglishers waiting for you. **Where? Time?** Royal Festival Hall Riverside Bar Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX 19:30 to 21:00 **Google Maps:** **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ZY6zDymAM7M6Lju5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ZY6zDymAM7M6Lju5)** **Note:** We will be at the front of the Riverside Bar. Although, this might change depending on tables’ availability. Please look for Spanglish Flag/t-shirt or simply call us +447870776718. We don’t have a private area, we’ll be at a public space. There will be public noise. You can join the **Whatsapp [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSUpj7m1tCZ2Vj86dmJR76](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSUpj7m1tCZ2Vj86dmJR76)** for the latest updates. **How much does it cost?** £10 Your attendance is confirmed once you have booked in this website and paid in our online store. Store: **[https://www.spanglish-lc.com/page/events](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/page/events)** FREE for Native Spanish Speakers. Únete! No pagas por el evento :D **Why should I come?** You should come if you want to be immersed in a Spanish conversation with native speakers for 90 mins and more! You should also come if you want to make new friends and learn about different cultures at the same time. **Can we have a drink during the session?** Of course, it is all about feeling comfortable and we all know that a drink help us with fluency, there is a coffee shop and a bar at the center. **Can I suggest topics or just make an open suggestion?** Of course, just bring your suggestions to the session or send us an email. Your event planner will ensure your suggestion has the right execution. We are here to help and provide you guys with the best environment possible for you to have fun and improve your Spanish speaking. **Note:** This event is not suggested for beginners A1 Zero Spanish learners. Please get in touch if you need some lessons. **Suggestions or Qs** Just drop me a WhatsApp, message or email. Our events are advertised on different platforms. For this event we expect around 20 people. **[Whatsapp](https://wa.me/message/VHD2GRUCYYBDP1),** Calls or MSNs **[+447870776718](https://wa.me/message/VHD2GRUCYYBDP1)** **Instagram** and **Facebook** as **[@spanglishlc](https://www.instagram.com/spanglishlc/)** We have more events and great teachers to enhance your learning, check all our **[events](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/events), [courses](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)**[ ](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)and **[teachers.](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)**

At our **Speed Speaking** event, we come together in a cosy circle, taking turns responding to quick, playful, and thought-provoking prompts, ranging from lighthearted questions to unexpected twists that spark curiosity and smiles. We begin with gentle breathing or simple improv exercises to help everyone relax, feel present, and connect with the group. You’ll have up to two minutes per turn, just enough time to express yourself without pressure, so everyone gets multiple chances to step up and speak. Each round brings a fresh topic and an easy invitation to share. There’s no overthinking and no pressure to perform, just authentic moments and genuine voices. This is a space where you don’t need to be “good” or get anything right. It’s about enjoying the experience, exploring your voice, and connecting with others in a warm, supportive atmosphere. You’re free to jump in and share, or simply listen and take in the energy. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by laughter, kindness, and a welcoming sense of community. Along the way, you’ll naturally build confidence in public speaking through relaxed, human conversations, without it ever feeling forced. You’ll leave feeling lighter, more at ease expressing yourself, and more confident using your voice both on stage and in everyday life. Come for the conversation, stay for the connection, and leave with a stronger, more confident voice. As our event is kindly hosted by the pub, we warmly encourage everyone to support the venue by purchasing a drink before this session. Your contribution helps us continue using this welcoming space and keeps these gatherings possible for everyone. Kindly RSVP in good time and keep your attendance status up to date. As we’re limited to a maximum of 20 participants, this helps us manage the space and offer spots to others who’d love to join. If you enjoy being here and find something meaningful in this event, you can always support me by leaving a little something 💛☕ No pressure at all, just your presence means a lot. But if you’d like to help me keep creating and hosting more moments like this, I truly appreciate it. Thank you for being part of this! [https://buymeacoffee.com/anaayana](https://buymeacoffee.com/anaayana)

A laid-back lunchtime of friendly chess in the charming surroundings of Russell Square, Bloomsbury. Whether you're new in town and looking to meet new people, craving some social games, or live/work/study nearby, all are welcome. Chess sets are available to borrow, and there are optional food/drinks from the cafe next to the chess tables. Please don't bring outside food/drinks (other than water), and buy something if you use a cafe table (no need when using the chess tables, which have boards printed on them). This will be a hosted event - if you're the first to arrive, you'll see your host sitting at one of the chess tables with a chess set. Feel free to write in the event to confirm you're going and encourage others to come along. Most of those attending are from other social media groups, so numbers are usually higher than they appear here. Have fun! :)

**Explore AI over dinner at a Michelin-listed London restaurant. Tools, opportunities and real conversation.** Each Meet2Click Curated Conversation dinner centres around a carefully chosen topic or shared interest, designed to spark thoughtful conversation and meaningful connection. **Curious about how AI is changing our lives — and want to explore it in a relaxed dinner setting?** Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly. New tools, ideas, and breakthroughs are reshaping how we work, create, and think. Instead of abstract debate, this evening is about sharing what we’re discovering in real life. Two days before the dinner, guests will receive a short, accessible overview of interesting AI tools — simply to spark ideas. At the table, we’ll explore: • What AI tools have you tried recently? • What discovery or breakthrough impressed you most? • Where do you see the greatest opportunities emerging? No technical background required. **Launch Season Benefit** During our initial Meet2Click dinners, guests will enjoy **up to 50% off food** at the restaurant. This introductory benefit is available for a limited launch period. Food and drinks are paid individually, directly with the restaurant. **Details** Location: restaurant Bala Baya, Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches 229, Union Street, London SE1 Date: 8 April 2026, 19.00h **Ticket price:** £15 per person *(includes your seat and contribution to the evening — food and drinks ordered and paid individually at the restaurant)* Seats are intentionally limited to encourage meaningful conversation and genuine connection. Just an open, relaxed exchange of ideas over dinner.

Every day you look at the news on your phone and you are shown a perspective on multiple events, vivid pictures, videos, and explanations that decide for you what to think. When you come out of your bubble and try to talk to others, you realise they have the wrong perspective. You assumed they saw the same undeniable evidence you did, with the same explanations. But each person is shown a perspective tailored to them, believable and convincing from where they stand. We moved from relying on our own eyes, to gossip, to the printing press, to radio and TV, and now to news customised to each individual. We moved from Plato's Cave, where we were all chained side by side experiencing the same shadows, to isolation, each of us with our own unique shadows. In Plato's Cave they were wrong together. Are we more lost being wrong alone? Is your bubble protecting you or trapping you? Can we build a shared world if we can't share a shared reality? Learn more about [the allegory of the cave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave). \*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: Platos Allegory of the Cave 1604 by Jan Saenredam

Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+) Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes. No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program. Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information. OR Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom. See you soon!

Join us for fun times ;)

Would you enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow Science Fiction and Fantasy fans? If so, we’d love to meet you. Our next gathering takes place on **Saturday 11th April from 6pm** at **The Mad Hatter**, just by Blackfriars Bridge. Drop in, say hello, and join us for a drink. We’re a long‑running group that’s been meeting since **1998**—long before meetup sites existed. Over the years we’ve hosted celebrity meet‑and‑greets, attended conventions together, run role‑playing games, organised cinema trips, LARPs, and plenty more. These pub meetups are all about socialising and connecting with other Sci‑Fi and Fantasy enthusiasts. To help break the ice, we’ll be running a fun **team quiz at 8.30pm**. There’s no fee to attend—just pay for whatever food or drink you order at the venue.

Do you want to relax and socialize in a quiet bar while watching some movies or tv series together? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs? Have you been cooped up by yourself for too long and wants a change of pace? This is the event for you. Join us for a laid-back Netflix watch party at XP Tavern— perfect setup with big screens, solid sound, and plenty of space to spread out. The bar has Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV, Youtube Prime etc. Expect good vibes, cold drinks, bar food, maybe some discussions during breaks, and zero pressure to stay quiet — react, laugh, scream, all welcome. How many people are attending? The venue has a capacity limit of 50 guests, and due to the popularity of our events and the unique ambiance of the location, we anticipate this event will reach full capacity quickly. On the day of the event, you will experience a relaxing atmosphere with a hospitable and encouraging community. Feel free to come with friends or by yourself. Most people come alone and make new friends at the event. When we arrive in the first hour, we will socialize, get some drinks and talk about what movies/tv series we love. Afterwards we will vote on which show to watch for each group. Then we will settle into the watch booths and enjoy a cinematic experience for the rest of the evening. If you want to socialize and get drinks, the event is free. If you want to participate and watch with the group, you gotta pay £12 per two hours.

Lucky dip is a different theme each month - each meeting will include: meditation, music, poetry and gentle discussion. Previous themes so far this year have included: "Paying attention to Meditation", "What is a blessing?" "New Year Meditation on Resistance" This month's theme will be announced shortly. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From the monthly Wednesday lunchtime session to the events every Thursday evening, Heartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you are a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

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

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon