Brain Teasers Sydney

Australian Skeptics in the Pub

**Speaker TBA** **After the presentation:** Following the presentation and question time, we will hand the microphone over to one audience member for a 5 minute chat on a sceptical topic of their choice. It can be a news item, your own sceptical "special subject" or an encounter with everyday scepticism. If you're interested in sharing something with your fellow pubbers, contact us before the talk. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- On the first Thursday of each month, Australian Skeptics and friends get together for Skeptics in the Pub. People generally start arriving at around 6pm after work. The talk begins at 7pm and lasts for about 30 minutes. The night finishes when the last person leaves. Enjoy a meal and a drink accompanied by lively discussion, free spoon bending lessons and the company of other sceptics, as we cover a variety of interesting topics. There is no need to belong to Australian Skeptics - all are welcome. Bring friends too. Please take a moment to read our [Code of Conduct](https://www.skeptics.com.au/code-of-conduct/). **REMINDER - If you are feeling ill or showing any signs or symptoms of a possible COVID (or indeed any) infection, please do not attend.** Parking is available nearby at: * 71 York Street Car Park (Wilson Parking) * Landmark Car Park (Secure Parking), 24 York Street * 321 Kent Street Car Park (Wilson Parking), ENTRY 86 Sussex Street * Queen Victoria Building Car Park (Wilson Parking), 111 York Street

Badminton training Granville - Advanced & intermediate 🏸

Training 🏸 for advanced and intermediate. Contact Kim on whatsapp 0416 379 688 for more information. By RSVPing to this event, the members and guests are explicitly and without exception deemed to have read and agreed to the Group’s terms of Disclaimer and Release of Liability. You can get personal injuries insurance for yourself by joining Sydney Badminton Association, please come and see me for details. Regards, Kim

Mind Games Art Alive

Badminton training Granville - Beginner & intermediate 🏸

Training 🏸 for beginner and intermediate. Contact Kim on whatsapp 0416 379 688 for more information. By RSVPing to this event, the members and guests are explicitly and without exception deemed to have read and agreed to the Group’s terms of Disclaimer and Release of Liability. You can get personal injuries insurance for yourself by joining Sydney Badminton Association, please come and see me for details. Regards, Kim

Enshittification and the Power of Platforms: Is There a Way Out?

Ever wonder why so many digital services you rely on seem to be getting simultaneously worse and more expensive? More ads. Sponsored search results. Subscription creep. Auto‑renew traps. Dubious 'surge' charges. Sneaky fees. Forced sign-ins. Cancel buttons hidden. There's a term for this phenomenon: enshittification — the gradual degradation of platforms that once seemed like technological miracles offering us convenience, connection, and democratisation. But enshittification - the Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2024 - is just the surface symptom of something far more corrosive. Beneath the declining user experience lies a fundamental reshaping of our economy where a handful of tech platforms have positioned themselves as inescapable gatekeepers, extracting unprecedented wealth from workers, businesses, and consumers while accumulating dangerous concentrations of power — what some are now calling technofeudalism. What happened to the internet's promise of widespread prosperity and a stronger democracy? How did we end up locked into systems that seem designed to serve everyone except us? And most importantly: what can we do about it? Come join us for a vital conversation about reclaiming our digital future and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the platform owners. **Book: *Enshittification – Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* (2025) by Cory Doctorow** **Book (Alternative): *The Age of Extraction – How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity* (2025) by Tim Wu** **Pdf Resource:** ***[Infographics and Summary Tables](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQB0CITwHhHJSaFBbJDhZmMEAcDSAace_BN1Q6aSYILezCI?e=edqfP9)*** (A prepared document of selected ideas from the two books) This month you have two options to read depending on your preference towards the level of analysis, style of writing, and your ease in accessing the book. *Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* by Cory Doctorow is a punchy, provocative, and highly readable take on why so many digital platforms seem to decline over time. Doctorow, who coined the term ‘enshittification’, argues that platforms follow a predictable lifecycle—starting out user-focused, then shifting to business customers, and finally extracting for themselves—in each stage squeezing the group it previously courted. The book is fast-paced, example-rich, and written in an accessible, almost conversational style, making it ideal if you enjoy sharp arguments, memorable concepts, and contemporary tech critique. It’s particularly appealing for readers who like books that spark immediate reactions and connect directly to everyday experiences online. *The Age of Extraction* by Tim Wu takes a broader, more analytical approach. Wu situates the problems of digital platforms within a larger historical and economic pattern, arguing that we are living in an “age of extraction” where powerful actors systematically draw value from users, workers, and society. The tone is more measured and reflective, with a focus on big-picture thinking and long-term trends. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy connecting ideas across economics, history, and politics, and who prefer a more structured, conceptual framework over a punchy polemic. Please read one (or both), depending on your interests. *The Age of Extraction* is 226 pages (or 6 hours) and *Enshittification* is 340 pages (or 10 hours, not available on Audible but is available on other platforms). Join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 6th July, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. Bring along an example of an app or digital service you used to really like that has since become enshittified—something you can have a quick rant about to kick off the conversation! 😊 Hope to see you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to other people if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider to supplement the reading of the books. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos & Podcasts** * Two-for-one: Cory Doctorow and Tim Wu together! (Curiously, as kids they were classmates in the same small primary school in Toronto!): [The Ezra Klein Show – We Didn't Ask for This Internet (1.5hrs)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yepnhe1T-9U&t) [The Oxford Internet Institute - Enshittification and Extraction (1.5hrs)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYxMQJ9c94) * Cory Doctorow Interviews: [Prospect Magazine (28mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9XRREj1DSo&t) [Doctorow on The Daily Show (15 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2e-c9SF5nE) [The Guardian (24 mins)](https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/nov/24/enshittification-how-we-got-the-internet-no-one-asked-for-podcast) * Tim Wu Interviews: [The Majority Report (40 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpnMk3IhV6U) [The Commonwealth Club (1 hour)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mRvMEzjTVw) * Explainer Video: [Why Every App is Getting Worse on Purpose (10 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjEGRXVKQCQ) **Written** * Pdf Resource: [Infographics and Summary Tables](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQB0CITwHhHJSaFBbJDhZmMEAcDSAace_BN1Q6aSYILezCI?e=edqfP9) (A prepared document of selected ideas from the two books) * Enshittification Summaries and Reviews: [Wikipedia summary of Enshittification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification) [Transcript of Doctorow Lecture on Enshittification](https://doctorow.medium.com/my-mcluhan-lecture-on-enshittification-ea343342b9bc) [CounterFire Book Review ](https://www.counterfire.org/article/enshittification-why-everything-suddenly-got-worse-and-what-to-do-about-it-book-review/) * The Age of Extraction Reviews [Prospect Book Review](https://prospect.org/2025/12/10/internets-tollbooth-operators-wu-review/) [HowAustraliaReallyWorks Book Review](https://www.howaustraliareallyworks.com/2026/02/book-summary-age-of-extraction-how-tech.html) [Washington Monthly Book Review](https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/02/age-of-extraction-tim-wu/)

Deep Tea: Momentum

**Deep Tea**: **Momentum** is an experience designed to help people connect with themself to re-energise and prevent a midyear slump. Deep Tea is a movement that centres tea appreciation to acknowledge its contribution to history, culture, philosophy and art. The movement also recognises the role tea plays in providing participants with space and time for contemplation. You're invited to join the movement at **Kaolin** on **Sunday** **5 July 2026**. Drop in at any time from 8.30am to 5pm. **General admission** will give you access to our lounge area, where you can sip a complimentary welcome tea and meet other tea lovers, or spend it in sociable solitude. At the bar, we'll have free sessions on tea appreciation throughout the day you can join at your leisure. If you're looking for more, **add a session** for a deeper experience: * Boiled Tea Ceremony with Lulu of [Sydney Tea Hut](https://www.sydneyteahut.com.au/) * Bowl Tea Ceremony with [Cenk](https://www.instagram.com/teaandtantrasydney/) * Gongfu Cha with Matt of [Tea Angle](https://www.teaangle.com/) * Chanoyu with [Uncle Rob](https://www.instagram.com/robert.bruce0/) * Gongfu Cha with Lucie of [Tea in Season](https://www.teainseason.com.au/) * Tea Meditation with Po-Tien of [The Mindful Cup](https://www.instagram.com/the.mindful.cup/) * Chaozhou Tea Appreciation with Cathy of [Ms.Cattea](https://www.mscattea.com.au/) Appreciation. Reflection. Clarity is our mantra, and these concepts represent the journey undertaken with each sip, linking drinkers to ancient practices and modern connections all around the world. Tickets via **[Humanitix](https://events.humanitix.com/deep-tea)** *(Note a 'yes' RSVP does not secure your place. Please book and pay through the Humanitix link above.)*

SydJS: AI — Adding Insight

What’s even better than uncovering insights into a rising technology? Getting to stand on the shoulders of giants to look ahead. What’s even better than that chance? Having the same team return to reprise what you’d learnt. What’s even better than that revision? Revising just that little bit slower and going just that little bit deeper. That’s right, Thinkmill’s Dinesh Pandiyan is back this month to guide you through how AI can be unlocked to add value to your company, your team, and your workflow. One not to miss!

Play Theatre Games in the Park! (Parramatta)

**Join us at Parramatta River Walk to play Theatre Games with friendly and awesome people!** **Afterwards, we go for a drink at a nearby pub.** **Everyone is welcome, no matter your level of Improv expertise!** **For an example of the type of fun that can go on in our days see:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI) **There is a $3 fee per event, or you can pay a $25 annual membership fee. This covers the costs of running the group. The fee can be paid in person, or by transferring to the following account:** **Name: Theatre Games** **BSB: 923 100** **Acc No: 313632027** **Use your name in the reference line so the Treasurer can keep track of your contribution.** **If you choose to pay the annual membership fee, it would be a great help to us if you would note your membership start date, and renew your membership when needed. This will avoid us spending time on account-keeping, which means we can instead focus on making the games as fun as possible!** **We have Facebook and Instagram pages, on which we post group photos and occasionally other announcements. Feel free to Like :)** [https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/](https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/) [https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney](https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney?fbclid=IwAR2fMlbCnv1PVQXX0xO7d6d_4mMDsXtT3dcs1awToamKK-ag1AAQhVYyPLQ) **FAQ** **Location & Parking** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7) **Between Church St and Sorrell St. Near the river. Down the stairs from the Riverside Theatre and to the east along the path. If you have trouble finding us, please post in the event comments as we'll keep an eye on this.** **Parking is free and usually ample in northern Parramatta, in Sorrell Street and surrounding streets to the north of the river.** **Instructional videos for newcomers** **For those completely new to the concept of theatre games or improvisation, you might find the following instructional videos helpful to you:** 1. **The importance of facing the audience in the right way** [https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA](https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA) **2\. The importance of not saying "no" to everything in a scene:** [https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8](https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8) **Why is my status saying "Unpaid" even though I have paid?** **This is due to a bad design feature of the Meetup website, please ignore it!** **Keeping up with the latest news and related fun events** **Go to our Facebook Discussion Group. This is a fun way to share improv/comedy clips, discuss improv and generally chat with the cool members of our group!** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450) **What if it rains?** **The bridge has been chosen for this reason!** **A large concrete apron exists under the bridge - easily measuring 5 metres deep and at least 10m long. More than enough space to perform in and yet still provide shelter from rain.** **Can you help promote my event / group / cult?** **Yes.. but within reason! We love to help our members who are doing awesome and creative projects. The problem is that because we get asked to promote things so often, we cannot do so via social media posts. As this would cause our members to be "spammed" and announcements about upcoming events to get buried.** **However, there are still two ways we can help to promote your project. Firstly, please feel free to post on our Facebook Discussion group. Secondly, you are also welcome to post in our** [Meetup Forum](https://www.meetup.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park/discussions/)**, where your post may be seen by our 1,800+ members.** **Lastly, we may be able to help in additional ways if you wish to share an opportunity for our members to perform. In this case we may be able to send a Meetup Message to our members, or to announce it in person at our events.** **What if I have other questions?** **If possible please post any questions in the comments area below rather than directly messaging us, so that others can see the answer too. This will allow us to spend less time answering messages, and more time making the games as fun as possible!**

West Ryde - FRIDAY - Indoors - Bennelong Centre - Walk in - No booking

**Pay $10 at reception for 3 hours of fun!**

Chess club at Esperanto House

If you want to make new friends, have fun and play chess in a stimulating environment, come join us every Wednesday at Esperanto House! There’s informal chess playing and socializing. Players of all levels are welcome. Looking forward to meet and welcome you to our club!

GLEBE ZINES

Unhurried Conversations - Saturday

Bring yourself along, we explain how it works.