[Thu 11th Aug 2016] Socialism & Space (Manchester)

[Das Uberdog]

From time immemorial, we have gazed at the heavens in search of both purpose and meaning. The stars have provided a constancy in our universe... signposts for weary travellers, the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and a reflective surface casting a light back upon our place in the cosmos. Exploring space has long been a dream, which in the past century appears closer to becoming a reality.

In this discussion, prolific sci-fi author Ken MacLeod will discuss with Nathan Coombs the appeal of space, its importance in our imaginations and its integral place in a progressive future vision for mankind.

7-9pm, The Ape & Apple
John Dalton St, Manchester
M2 6HQ

facebook
manchesterspring.org.uk

 

[DotCommunist]

no way I'll make it to manchester but if theres a transcript or video of this that comes out I'd like to see it

 

[Das Uberdog]

Will do my best, transcripts probably a safe bet but we ain't yet got much in the way of decent video recording equipment (it'll come...)

 

[likesfish]

love to go to that but £76 to manchester and 8 hours on the train probably not realistic pity.

ken Macleods a great author

 

[DotCommunist]

ken Macleods a great author

currently a registered enemy of PD mind.

 

[tufty79]

Might pop over for this if i feel up to it

 

[MochaSoul]

no way I'll make it to manchester but if theres a transcript or video of this that comes out I'd like to see it

Seconded.

 

[Das Uberdog]

 

[Patteran]

Will do my best, transcripts probably a safe bet but we ain't yet got much in the way of decent video recording equipment (it'll come...)

I'm in Manchester & do have decent visual & audio recording kit, if it's a help.

 

[Das Uberdog]

definitely mate! when it's not so late i'll send you a PM

 

[farmerbarleymow]

What time is this event on at as it's not stated on the website?

 

[emanymton]

What time is this event on at as it's not stated on the website?

It says 7pm at the top of this page.

 

[Das Uberdog]

it does... here it says 7 til 8 but it's actually going on til 9

 

[imposs1904]

Will the Posadists have a stall?

 

[imposs1904]

love to go to that but £76 to manchester and 8 hours on the train probably not realistic pity.

ken Macleods a great author

Bastards promised us jetpacks. You could have been there in 20 minutes.

 

[likesfish]

Jet packs are dangerous and impractical.

Still want one though.

 

[taffboy gwyrdd]

Very interesting looking - any Exopolitics likely? You know...the non earth based beings and stuff...

 

[farmerbarleymow]

It says 7pm at the top of this page.

It doesn't show that on my phone, so you should have stated it more clearly to cater for people using different devices.

 

[Das Uberdog]

Very interesting looking - any Exopolitics likely? You know...the non earth based beings and stuff...

i hope the whole thing is going to be a lot more sophisticated... a discussion on how space and the infinite has captured our imaginations throughout history, its cultural and symbolic pertinence and also a comment on mankind's natural inclination to explore, challenge, press out etc... that's what we had in mind when we got the speakers for it anyway! absolutely stoked to have Ken up for it, and Nathan is also excellent on a stage. wasted at Edinburgh Uni, should have been a documentary host or something!

 

[taffboy gwyrdd]

i hope the whole thing is going to be a lot more sophisticated... a discussion on how space and the infinite has captured our imaginations throughout history, its cultural and symbolic pertinence and also a comment on mankind's natural inclination to explore, challenge, press out etc... that's what we had in mind when we got the speakers for it anyway! absolutely stoked to have Ken up for it, and Nathan is also excellent on a stage. wasted at Edinburgh Uni, should have been a documentary host or something!

It does sound great and I've got it in diary, as have many friends.

I don't know why anyone would consider discussion of non earth bound lifeforms an "unsophisticated" matter, but if that's not what this is about then fair enough.

 

[Das Uberdog]

I don't know why anyone would consider discussion of non earth bound lifeforms an "unsophisticated" matter, but if that's not what this is about then fair enough.

sorry i've just never come across exopolitics, i'm reading right now... i thought you might have been making a mild jibe about extra-terrestrial contact etc - by all means bring it up! what's laid out above is what we've given to the speakers as a starting point, though it's all open to interpretation.

 

[taffboy gwyrdd]

If there's not an exo politics expert it may not be appropriate. I wouldnt be there just wishing to bang a drum, but it is a fascinating topic.

 

[NoXion]

I would watch a video or read a transcript of this, since I wouldn't be able of make it there in person.

As for exopolitics, while I can understand (if not at all sympathise with) the notion that talk of aliens something vulgar and populist, that very fact is something worthy of attention in itself; even before the Copernican revolution people have speculated on meeting intelligent beings from worlds different to our own.

 

[Das Uberdog]

Panellist Nathan Coombs: 'MIT researchers crush the private-sector fantasies of Mars One and conclude (unsurprisingly) that only big government can put people on Mars.'

 

[binka]

Will there be a buffet?

 

[Das Uberdog]

unfortunately not Binka, but plenty of good eateries in the surrounding area

 

[binka]

Thursday night is laundry night but I might see if I can move a few things round

 

[Das Uberdog]

Let's all go to Mars!

 

[binka]

Das Uberdog is this in the function room upstairs? just turn up or do i need to pay or get a ticket or anything? also most importantly is it the sort of thing you can get up and go to the bar during? i'm considering tricking my other half into going with me and if i can keep her well refreshed i might be able to convince her she enjoyed it!

 

[Das Uberdog]

Das Uberdog is this in the function room upstairs? just turn up or do i need to pay or get a ticket or anything? also most importantly is it the sort of thing you can get up and go to the bar during? i'm considering tricking my other half into going with me and if i can keep her well refreshed i might be able to convince her she enjoyed it!

It's upstairs, but there's a lift. Yes there's a bar, and yes it'll be fine to drink throughout!