Big Data

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **paranormal.** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee. Chaired by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and engagement from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, obviously no sprituality event woul be complete without practical tools so there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? Molecular Biologists have shown that just like plants - our cells give off resonant frequencies between 10 & 180 kilohertz - could this be a source of non-verbal communication like telepathy? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** boost **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) naturally vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSDand if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? Was **Abraham Lincolm** precognizant when he dreamt his own fatal assignation? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do NDEs suggest something beyond physicality? Were Steve Jobs final words "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow" before he died (New York Times) visions of an afterlife or just neurochemical changes / drugs playing tricks? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

Bachata Sundays - Weekly Bachata dance classes for beginners/improvers, then social dancing at Park View Healthclub, Colindale. NOTE: Bachata Sensual will be taught, not Bachata Dominican. Ready to spice up your evenings with some Latin rhythm? Location: Park View Gym, 6 Heath Parade, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, London, NW9 5ZN, United Kingdom When: Every Sunday with class starting at 7pm Spaces are limited to 12 people maximum – 1st come, 1st served! Pricing: \> £15 per session for drop\-in\. \> £54 for 4 weeks block booking of group dance classes \(needs to be paid in advance\) \> Otherwise\, £160 for 8 weeks of group classes \+ 1 private class each week over the 8 weeks \(meaning 16 classes\) \> Get a further discount when you book as a couple\. Couple bookings includes one lead and one follower\. NOTE: Due to limited spaces, you must book and reserve your space ASAP. We do not advise on leaving it too late. What does a class involve? \> 55 minutes warm\-up and dance class \> 5 minutes of social dancing to practice what you learned\. This cosy setup means more personal attention and a great vibe – perfect for learning or improving your Bachata in a relaxed\, social setting\. To reserve your spot, contact Mau on: 07950268600, then make a payment via bank transfer to MR M MCPHERSON, 68649633, 09-01-28

Is one of your 2026 goals to have more valuable engaging chats with new like-minded people who are into what you're into thereby adding more brilliant relevant people to your life? Then come and try something different for a perfect New Year adventure swith **group matched topic** based conversation Time is precious. Here at the Universe of Hedonic Adventures, we believe life gets better when you spend more time enjoying the things you love, with similar people who genuinely love them too. This is not just about bespoke socialising but ensuring fully engaging, soulfully enriching and inspiring interactions that leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. Start 2026 with themed conversations that'll provide **new beginnings**, **thought provoking engaging chats and meeting people who actually share the same interests as you** No awkward hovering. No boring small talk with “so what do you do?” . No meaningless icebreakers, No dull uninspiring generic chats! Just relaxed meaningful and exciting conversations with people who share your passions, interests and hobbies. Whether you’re into creativity, music, travel, films, wellness, curiosity, science, food, politics or great outdoor adventures, you’ll find your people here. **=== CHOOSE YOUR HIGH LEVEL TOPIC ===** Instead of walking into total randomness, choose **your specialist topic when you RSVP** to meet people just like you. When you arrive - you’ll join a small group of people with the same interests from: * **Music** * **Films, Theatre & TV Shows** * **Travel Destinations** * **Books** * **Health, Fitness, Sports & Nutrition** * **Fashion** * **Spirituality** * **Art** * **Outdoors & Nature** * **Space, Science & Wonder** * **Politics, Economics & Business** * **Food, Eating Out & Cooking** **=== HOW IT WORKS ===** * **Pick your topic when you RSVP** so you’re matched with people who share your interests / passions. To keep conversations truly engaging for everyone, only select a topic that you can talk about with passion and knowledge * **When you arrive**, head to the **table area** (location and host contact number will be posted in the comments). * **Check in with host** — I’ll have a quick chat to make sure you’re comfortable with your chosen topic * **I’ll introduce you to your topic group**, connecting you with people who love the same things as you do * **Enjoy relaxed, easy conversation** over a drink with interesting and engaging people who actually share your hobbies, passions, and curiosity, not just any Tom, Dick & Harry * **Meet a mix of relevant like‑minded people**, ensuring high quality enjoyable organic conversations that flow naturally & never run out * If you get bored - I will re-alllocate you a different group with your secondary area of interest **=== VENUE ===** This historic, cosy, and much‑loved Islington bar serves everything from hot drinks to wine, beer, and food. So come and start 2026 with curiosity, connection, and a room full of people who might just become your new friends Lucas - The Social Butterfly

BOOK YOUR TICKET 👉🏼 [HERE](https://itsadate.club/event/sunday-park-walk-26/). Connecting with potential partners is a walk in the park when you’re doing something you love! If you’re active, enjoy a good social scene, and are into the outdoors, join us with 30 single guests for a 6.5 km walk around the Regents Park and Primrose Hill Circular. Switch scrolling for strolling during this wholesome morning, which includes a hosted walk, coffee (or tea), and a homemade chocolate brownie. Meet James, your host, outside Regents Bar and Kitchen in Regents Park Inner Circle and just a short walk from Baker Street Station. After a stroll around Queen Mary’s Garden, we will continue through Marylebone Green and the English Gardens of Regent’s Park. We’ll then head north, crossing Regents Canal via the Monkey Gate, and make our way up to the viewpoint at Primrose Hill. Here, we’ll stop for coffee and homemade brownies—a great opportunity to socialise more widely with the group and get to know as many people as possible. If the weather isn’t kind to us, we’ll take refuge in a nearby café around Primrose Hill. After this short interlude, we will continue clockwise on the circuit, re-joining The Board Walk in Regents Park as we pass London Zoo, and then return to Marylebone Green, where we’ll conclude at the Japanese Garden. This is a super-relaxed morning walk and a fantastic opportunity to meet a fun bunch of people while getting your steps in along the way. After the walk, the usual post-event matching and messaging will be available on your It’s a Date dashboard. Alternatively, there are plenty of nearby trails and cosy Marylebone pubs to extend your date with newfound connections. If you have any questions about the event or how things will work, please get in touch with James at 07517 065492 or james@itsadate.club.

🌙 Another opportunity to walk to Regent's Park Mosque and participate in their free Iftar, pray Maghrib and then walk to the Ramadan Lights which is in it's 5th year in London 🏮 **Important:** We need to arrive 30-40 minutes before Maghrib prayer to collect our iftar parcels, after breaking fast, we pray Maghrib, then exactly 25 minutes after Maghrib Fard prayer ends, we meet outside for the walk to the Ramadan lights. Alternatively you can stay at the mosque for Tarweeh. *There is also a restaurant in the basement where you can purchase additional food.* 🟢 **WALK:** 📏9km (5.6 miles): 🕌 ➕ 📏 3.5km (2 miles): 🏮 💓 Av.Pace 5km/h ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* ⏳ Meet from **2:50pm** 📍 Outside **Angel Station** (Northern Line) ⌚ Walk starts **3:11pm** **sharp insh'Allah** *(Magrib: 5:56pm)* ↪️ Start: **Angel Station** 🕌 Iftar: **Regents Park Mosuqe** ↩️ Ends: **Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus** ➡️ Covers: Regent's Canal > Camden > Primrose Hill > Regent' Park, Regent's Park Mosque / > Ramadan Lights 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes. At least some food to open fast (in case food parcels are short/we are late) 🚻 Regent's Park Mosque ⛑️ You are responsible for your own safety and your own belonging at all times. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* ``` 🚦 Walk/Hike Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging ```

🔵 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE £4.50 ONLY 🔴 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE £9.50 ONLY 🟢 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE £15.0 CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BUY TICKETS - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978232295047 In this workshop Ryan explains how it’s possible to become more funny plus the best ways to do this, what the different types of humour are with brain training exercises designed to make you sharper in this area. With practice bringing everything together in conversation at the end. ⚫ - Why it is possible to improve humour if you’re not currently very good at that area ⚪ - How to become more funny over time 🔴 - What the different types of humour are 🟡 - How to deliver humour in social situations 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟢 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together. Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website https://www.socialshortcuts.com 
After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 
🟢Workshop happening after this: 🟠 How To Initiate Interactions With New People Date: March 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM GMT Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978232301065 In this workshop Ryan explains why people often have emotions blocking them (usually nervousness) in social situations & how to deal with this to not miss out on opportunities. In the 2nd half he explains how to smoothly start a conversation & make it flow. 🔵 - Understand why people get nervous in social situations or have other emotions blocking them from socialising 🟣 - How to reduce & overcome nervousness or other emotions blocking you from socialising 🟠 - How to start a conversation easily in almost any situation 🟢 - How to use positioning & body language to make starting a conversation much easier 🔵 - How to get a conversation flowing after starting it ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🔴 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. 
For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
✉ Ryan: info@socialshortcuts.com
✉ Gabriel: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com 
OTHER EVENTS LINED UP
🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
🟢 Persuasion Workshop
🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 
5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws 
We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com 
Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk 
For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com 
We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com 
Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course 
DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. 
Follow us on the sites below also:
http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 
🟣 Victor Borge 🟢 Laughter is the shortest distant between two people

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/43948 **Game Description:** We are back after a long summer of refurbishment at the New City College for some more Basketball😎🏀🎊🥳 Come and play in a 2 hour full court mixed level basketball scrimmage 🏀 All abilities all gender are welcomed. Please check out a video from my previous session to have a rough idea of level of play below. https://youtu.be/DfLOW5N8DM8?si=HC50JEJjxPcJPCEM Video of the session will be posted on YouTube Join my WhatsApp group for future updates and join the community of 600+ ballers below. https://chat.whatsapp.com/EtHAq8ycmea9EwtvgTsQPo **Directions:** 📍New City Fitness - Hoxton. Enter via Redvers Street 🚶‍♂️3 min walk from Hoxton overground station 🚿 Showers and changing rooms available **Rules** \- Maximum 3 teams of 6 \(1 sub per team\) \- 4 minute clock\. Winning team earn 2 pts\, losing team got zero\. Tied game will see each team awarded 1 point\. \- Max 2 games in a row \- Call your own fouls\, be honest and respect the call\. Shoot for it if there is a disagreement\. \- The team with the most points will play in the finals\. \- 2nd seed will face 3rd seed team in a knock out style “Play in” game\. 2nd seed will have an advantage against 3rd seed so every win matters in the group stage\. \- two 4 mins final games\, 1st seed to start the ball with the game\. \- if after two games there is a 1:1 tie\, we play the last game\- the final game\. I will explain the rule should we reach this ultimate stage 😎

### 📍**CheckedIn London — Speed Networking for Real Connections** CheckedIn London is built for one thing: **helping you meet the right people faster—in real life.** We get you out from behind the screen and into the room, where real conversations happen. We show up at tech mixers, networking events, and industry gatherings across Leeds and use the **CheckedIn app** to turn quick introductions into meaningful connections—*on the spot*. ### 🚀 How Speed Networking Works with CheckedIn At each event, the CheckedIn app helps you: * Instantly connect with people you meet—no business cards required * Follow up later without awkward LinkedIn requests * Remember who you met, what you talked about, and why it mattered * Turn short conversations into real collaborations, fast Think of CheckedIn as the **spiritual successor to LinkedIn**— but built for **in-person moments**, not endless scrolling. No cold DMs. No forgetting names. Just tap, connect, and keep the conversation going after the event. Whether you’re a founder, operator, creative, or curious professional, this is a space for conversations that actually go somewhere. Come solo or bring a colleague. No pressure. No pitches. Just good people, efficient introductions, and momentum. *** ## 🌍 Help Us Grow CheckedIn CheckedIn is expanding, and we’re actively looking for **chapter organizers** to help run and grow chapters in cities around the world. If you enjoy: * Bringing people together * Hosting great events * Building real community We’d love to hear from you. 👉 Apply here: **[www.checkedIn.site/organizer-apply](http://www.checkedIn.site/organizer-apply)** *** ## 🌍 About This Chapter CheckedIn is a **chapter-based, community-driven network**. The Londonchapter is part of the wider CheckedIn community. On some occasions, the primary organizer may not be in attendance. These meetups are designed to be **self-led, welcoming, and participatory**—members take ownership of starting conversations, making introductions, and helping others connect. If you show up, you belong. If you tap in, connections start immediately. **Join us. Check in. Connect faster.** **CheckedIn — open the app and tap.**

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45172 **Game Description:** Come and play in a casual​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ friendly & social badminton session. The session is for mixed ability players. So please be respectful and kind towards less experienced players - we all have to start somewhere join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/K507zMefM5pItnjxbXEgNg?mode=ems_copy_t We use YONEX MAVIS 600 Nylon Shuttlecocks. We have 2 spare rackets, or you can rent rackets from the sports centre (I think it’s about £2.50, but not sure) Format: We play doubles for the whole time and keep rotating opponents/partners across courts so everyone plays each other. **Rules** Classic doubles rules - can be explained at the start of the session if you’re new to badminton or need a reminder.

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common - Exact Location is here : https://what3words.com/drums.yards.early We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We've got a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are often much higher than Meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

2nd Sunday of every month, join us for a relaxed and fun language exchange, where meaningful conversations flow as freely as delicious coffee and tea! This isn't just practice; it's **accelerated progress** in a supportive setting, designed to quickly boost your **Mandarin, Cantonese and English** skills. **How We Make It Effective & Enjoyable:** * **Perfect Groupings:** We carefully match you with native speakers and learners at a similar level, ensuring comfortable and productive conversation practice. * **Forget awkward silences!** We provide fun, engaging discussion topics to spark lively chats and keep the conversation flowing. * **Maximise Your Practice:** Rotate between groups if you wish to connect with more people and strengthen your conversation skills! * **Expert Support:** Our experienced tutor is always on hand to help. 👌 **All levels welcome!** Native speakers and learners alike. 💛 Please support the cafe by buying a drink or snack while you are here - they've kindly let us use the space. We can't wait to welcome you! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Take your Mandarin beyond the exchange.** 🤝 If you’re looking for a bit more structure to go along with your conversation practice, let’s chat! We're offering **complimentary 1-on-1 advice sessions** to help you find the perfect learning path. Get a professional assessment of your level so you can study with confidence. **No commitment** required. [Book your Free Session](https://eu.bigin.online/org20070515371/bookings/course-advice) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **China Unbound** is the best place to learn practical Chinese for adults. While most schools prioritise grammar and writing, China Unbound empowers you to confidently communicate in Chinese in real-world situations. Join us and discover a fun, fast, and personalised way to master Chinese! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤘 FAQs:** **I'm learning Chinese, are the sessions suitable for beginners?** Yes! Come and speak as much or as little as you like, or just come and listen! There is no pressure! **Are there any discounts for Chinese lessons for members?** Yes, you can use code MEETUP10 for your exclusive £10 discount on our [Chinese courses](https://china-unbound.co.uk/personal/) site-wide! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 每个月的第二个星期天，来加入我们，享受一场轻松又有趣的语言交流体验！在茶香与咖啡的陪伴下，开启一场自然流畅、充满收获的双语对话。 这不仅仅是练习，而是一种更快提升你英语水平的高效方式。我们为你打造一个轻松友好、真正有用的语言环境，让你的口语交流能力飞速进步！ **我们如何让语言交换高效又好玩：** * **精准匹配，聊天不尴尬**：我们用心将你和母语者或相近水平的学习者配对，确保每一次对话都轻松自在又高效实用。 * **话题有趣，轻松破冰**：拒绝冷场！我们提前准备了有趣又实用的聊天话题，让你一开口就停不下来，交流自然顺畅。 * **灵活轮换，提升更全面**：想多练一点？欢迎自由选择是否换组，认识更多人、接触不同语言风格，快速提升真实沟通能力。 * **专业老师现场支持**：我们的资深语言导师会在现场提供实时帮助，确保你在交流中不断进步、有信心开口！ **活动详情：** 🗓️ **时间**：每月第二个星期日 ⏰ **时段**：下午 2:30 - 4:30 💰 **费用**：免费参加 不只是练语言，这里还有文化的碰撞、朋友的陪伴和成长的喜悦。现在就来加入我们，开启你的高效交流之旅吧！ **🤘 常见问题解答：** **我最后会不会一直说中文而一无所获？** -不会，因为我们的“快速聊天”模式鼓励大家用中/英文交换来交流。 **会员有折扣吗？** 有，欢迎你跟你学中文的朋友分享代码**Meetup10**，他们会获得10镑的独家折扣！

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42285 **Game Description:** Only sign up if you are an Advanced Level Player and Knowledgeable of 5:1 Rotations. You will be ask not to join the game if you do not qualify from the criteria stated. Organizer have the right not to refund your money. Its not personal though. Our goal is to have a good time, enjoy the company of friendly people and play some competitive games. Remember "Every Serve is a Point" **Rules** Only 12 Players ( 2 Teams) for Advanced Players only

Window functions have nothing to do with the Windows operating system but provide a “window” to a result set when used in SQL queries. They are powerful, set-based methods to view data in unexpected ways. Window functions provide easy, set-based solutions to solve some common problems: * Using running totals * Performing operations in intervals * Identifying data gaps and islands * Performing aggregates without losing detail Many people are confused by window functions and do not know how to use them properly. This session will explore window functions, how they work, and how to use them. Demonstrations with several examples will solidify how window functions can simplify queries and make them more powerful.

**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)

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**Details:** This talk reviews the fundamental academic research literature in financial economics, distilling key findings with rigor while debunking suboptimal investing decisions. It draws on decades of empirical research and statistical analysis with the aim of guiding how to think about sound investing. **Audience Takeaway:** Attendees will gain a practical, research-based approach to assessing investments, interpreting risk, and making choices that support long-term financial independence, informed by decades of published financial studies. **Zoom: This is a *hybrid* event. To attend online, join us on Zoom here at 6pm:** https://iit-edu.zoom.us/j/87434065239?pwd=mK8gkDO6FTL2NBCXrgnViDwVJU14YT.1 Meeting ID: 874 3406 5239 Passcode: 826532 **Sponsor:** **[Tegus by AlphaSense](https://www.tegus.com) will provide the meeting site, as well as pizza and soft drinks for the onsite participants.** * **Address:** 200 N. LaSalle Street. Suite 1100. Chicago, IL 60601 * **Tegus by AlphaSense's Overview:** Tegus by AlphaSense is the leading market intelligence platform for key decision makers. We power some of the world’s most well-respected institutional investors, corporations, and consultancies through the largest and most comprehensive database of primary and market information. Our products and services enable clients to discover unmatched insights and answers to the most challenging questions they face to help them make better informed decisions. We are an end-to-end investment intelligence and research platform that modernizes the research processes. With an ecosystem that combines at-cost, on-demand expert calls with a 55K+ transcript library; quantitative financial workflows that streamline research across company disclosures, management presentations, earnings calls and filings; and 4K+ fully-drivable financial models and company benchmarking data, including every KPI and comparison that matters, Tegus by AlphaSense enables investors to move faster, gather deep research and surface high-quality insights to drive better decisions. The company serves customers worldwide, including investment analysts, portfolio managers and key decision makers across public and private businesses in markets of all sizes. * **Logistics**: To access the Tegus by AlphaSense building, we require **first and last names** of those who RSVP'd by Mar 18. Attendees will then present their **IDs** when they arrive at the front desk (right when they enter the building). They will be sent up in the elevator to the 11th floor where we will be.

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

Drake Lundstrom is presenting: Code Anywhere by Talking to your Phone Abstract: Have you heard the trend of people deploying code anywhere from checkout lines to doctors' offices? In this talk, you will learn how to talk to your phone and have an app on Azure to show your friend 5 minutes later. The basic DevOps tools you already know, plus a little bit of AI magic, are all you need! If you want to follow along, the demo will be in Azure with GitHub Actions and GitHub Copilot, and you can have it set up on your phone by the end of the session. Just come in with an Azure account and a GitHub repo. Join us for pizza, drinks, and networking @ Improving's office. Doors open at 5:45.

One of the most valuable parts of this community is the opportunity to think out loud with other product professionals. This session is built for exactly that. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. What’s on track? What needs adjustment? Where could a small shift create bigger impact? Join fellow product professionals for a focused, interactive conversation designed to help you recalibrate for the next quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to share where you are, hear how others are thinking through similar challenges, and gain fresh perspective you can bring back to your team and organization. We’ll gather at 8:00AM, with discussion starting promptly at 8:15AM. 📍 First Watch - 7227 N High St Located in: The Shops at Worthington Ample parking is available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Start your morning with clarity and connection — we hope to see you there! ☀️