English

**Discussion overview:** AI can write essays, generate art, and even build programs in seconds. As algorithms take over the office, many of us fear the pressure to become hyper-efficient machines just to survive. But is trying to beat AI at its own game a losing battle? Or is doubling down on our flawed, emotional human traits our best defense? Whether you're a creative, a young professional, or just trying to navigate a digital world, let's discuss what makes us irreplaceable... 1\. 🤖 **Beat the Machine:** Should we learn to work like AI, or focus on skills AI can never copy? 2\. 🎨 **The Creative Clone:** Can algorithms ever replicate true artistic vision and human empathy? 3\. 🥂 **Return on Investment:** Will AI force us to value real human connection over KPIs? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore real life, grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn 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 key questions\, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak\.** \- We rotate groups intentionally during the discussion so everyone gets to meet a wider mix of people and perspectives\. \- After the structured part\, you’re free to mix and mingle with anyone\. **Here's a typical discussion flow, but we may adjust this depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and initial 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)* **Rules & etiquette:** 1\. Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks please\. 2\. No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding\. 3\. 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 join after work and may 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.

17:15-18:00 Doors open / Registration 17:30-18:30 Free English Classes in small groups 18:30-19:15 Meal for £3.5 / Meet new people www.freeenglishclasses.org

James McNeill Whistler was an American-born painter and printmaker who became one of the most influential artists of the late nineteenth century, working mainly in London and Paris. Come and learn with us on the **2nd June**. All welcome! *Please ring the bell if you arrive after 18.45*

Join us for a fun and engaging morning filled with conversations and connections with international friends at the English Conversation Café in Chelsea. DOORS OPEN FROM 9:30AM A chance to meet new people, share stories and practice your English in a relaxed and welcoming environment. There will be a different topic every week for us to focus our conversations on. Every Tuesday morning - term time only. Food and drink provided, free of charge! No need to bring anything, just yourself!

*a documentary film crew will be at this event - they will be discreet and omit anyone not wishing to be filmed* **✨ Welcome to Conundrum Corner at The Union Jack pub, Southwark! ✨** Step inside and join a gathering *of* open minds and kind hearts. Whether you bring a conundrum of your own that you are experiencing or simply your listening ear, you’ll find a welcoming space to share, reflect, and explore life’s tricky questions together. 🌿 **What to expect:** *You’re invited to share a conundrum, dilemma or question that you yourself are experiencing. - We’ll vote to choose a few intriguing ones to explore more deeply. *With a few extra details in hand, we’ll break into small groups for thoughtful discussion. - Then, we’ll come together as one big group to share insights, perspectives, and perhaps even some fresh solutions. The atmosphere is **analytical yet empathetic, thoughtful yet light-hearted**, and always accommodating. Whether your conundrum is personal, professional, or just a head-scratcher, we’re here to help unravel it together. 💸 There’s no set fee to attend, but we do ask for donations on the night to cover costs - which are warmly appreciated! 🍷 Please also support our lovely hosts, Jade and co., by buying yourself a drink at the bar (and food’s available if you fancy a bite). 💡 **What’s a conundrum, you ask?** A conundrum is any dilemma, crossroads, or confusion in your life—big or small. It could be a **"chicken and egg"** situation, a **"catch-22"**, or a **"have your cake and eat it"** kind of puzzle. Sometimes, life just throws us complex, messy questions—and that’s what we’re here to navigate together. Once our deep discussions wind down, we’ll slip into **pub mode**—a chance to relax, connect, and continue chatting with newfound friends. **🛡️ Code of Conduct - *please note*** Conundrum Corner is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Any abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour towards other attendees, whether during the event or in any contact related to the event afterwards, will result in permanent removal from the Meetup group and exclusion from future events. Come along for an evening of intriguing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a touch of serendipity. Looking forward to seeing you there! Helena x

Free English lessons in London taught by our trainee teachers! **[Register Here](https://www.dcteachertraining.com/london-free-english-lessons)** Location: St Giles London Central, 154 Southampton Row, WC1B 5JX (Nearest Tube: Russell Square) Evening classes * Tuesdays and Thursdays (each weekday) * 6:30pm to 8:30pm Levels available: Pre-Intermediate (A2) / Intermediate (B1) / Upper Intermediate (B2) (Lessons for adults only - 18 years+) We can't wait to welcome you to the English lessons!

Looking to improve your **flexibility**, relieve **stress** and enhance your overall **well-being**? Join us for a welcoming and supportive stretching class designed specifically for women! What to expect: Gentle stretches suitable for all levels. Focus on relaxation and mindfulness A positive environment to connect with other women Where: The Living Room, Soho 3 Green’s Ct, London W1F 0HD Cost: Free Contact: Vanesa Romero +44 7394804891

Improve your Mandarin and English while making new friends! Join [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.co.uk) at the [Jackalope](https://jackalopelondon.com/) in Marylebone - appropriately situated above a Chinese restaurant, [Liu Xiao Mian](https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/). All levels welcome - these are **very casual** meetups where you're welcome to mingle until finding suitable language partners Pop down for noodles or stay outside in the lovely mews, but whatever you do, come ready to chat, make great new connections, and push your language learning forward 🤗🤗🤗 You're welcome to try our HSK Classes in Marylebone: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses) or our Saturday online HSK classes: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses) For more information please contact Harry@ManhattanMandarin.com, 07767260207) Since 2012, with a fantastic team of over 200 native and non-native Mandarin teachers in the US and UK, [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.com) knows what makes for fun and engaging communication between English and Chinese speakers!

An elevated evening above the city. [AVIARY SKYBAR : HOW TO GET IN](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYO8UV0MGjF/?next=%2F) Join a carefully curated rooftop gathering hosted inside one of London’s luxury 5-star hotels, where skyline views, ambient music, and unexpected conversations set the tone for the night. Should the weather shift, the evening will continue seamlessly inside the skybar lounge What to expect: • Panoramic views stretching across London after dark • An international crowd of creatives, professionals, travelers, and curious minds • A relaxed yet refined atmosphere designed for genuine connections • Cocktails, conversations, and a rooftop experience hidden above the city. . **Dress Code: Smart** **18+ Only** **Ticket Price:** TICKET PRICE **£5** :[ ](https://buy.stripe.com/4gMeVf6DzesY9ET8TjfUQ06)**[BOOK YOUR TICKET](https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ4gB5zvdoUeZdglLfUQ07)**[ ](https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ4gB5zvdoUeZdglLfUQ07)

Se il tempo inglese sarà splendido, organizzeremo il nostro prossimo picnic Sabato 6 Giugno. Consultate il sito web sabato mattina. A reminder we are **not a beginners group** and if you have been before and have not paid in 2026 you need to pay a £10 cash [membership](https://www.meetup.com/italian-35/discussions/?eventOrigin=your_groups) on the day. Portate da mangiare, da bere e qualche gioco da picnic. Unica regola: i drink devono essere Italiani. Vino, birra, succhi di frutta, acqua.....qualunque cosa da bere, purche' sia italiana! Naturalmente, considerando il tempo metereologico inglese, c'e' sempre la possibilita' che sia debba spostare il picinic a venerdi', ma speriamo di no! ;-) Si prega di controllare il sabato mattina... Summer Italian Picnic meet -up near Gloucester Gate Parkway entrance. The closest tube station is Camden Town. Time to polish up your Italian vocabulary (including the Italians) and join us for one of our wonderful picnics. A reminder we are **not a beginners meet-up**, people come to speak in Italian not English, and are a members group https://www.meetup.com/italian-35/discussions/6755397671428696/chat/. After two meet-ups people need to pay or may find themselves removed from the group. The Picnic Bring food, drink and games to our summer picnic meet-up. The only rule- all drink must be Italian! Wine, beer, water ... whatever, as long as it's Italian. :-) If you want to eat bring food, if you want to drink bring something to drink but please bring something, it is a picnic. Obviously, given the British weather, it may be that we'll have to change the date on the Saturday morning but here is hoping! :-) Go to the Parkway (Gloucester Gate) entrance, turn left, walk around the wildlife area with the pond. We will be on the other side. Follow us on: Instagram London Italian Language Facebook at London Italian Language Meet-up Grazie, Simon

Venez passer une soirée dans notre cinéma et lounge, et parler de films. Nous vous offrons un verre de vin ou un jus de fruits et un truc à grignoter, mais si vous voulez autre chose; vous pouvez l'apporter. Nous allons regarder une des comédies françaises les plus populaires. Après une courte présentation, nous regarderons le film et après nous en discuterons. **The event costs £10,** but you will not be asked to pay until it is confirmed. It will run if we have **5 attendees** confirmed.

Let's read Modern Standard Arabic together and help each other. This get-together continues weekly. Please disregard attendee numbers, as most members come without registering here. There is no charge for this time together.

**🎳 Bowling Social: Strike, Socialise & Connect** Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, relaxed conversation, and genuine connection—all centred around a fun game of bowling with a warm, welcoming crowd. This event is in co operation with other groups and will be well attended. **🎟️ Your Ticket Includes** * 🎳 **One full game of bowling** (per person) * 💷 **Price: £12** * 🍽️ *Food and drinks are available to purchase directly from the venue.* **🌟 What to Expect** 🤝 Looking for a mid‑week social that blends new friendships with a bit of playful competition? Our Bowling Social is the perfect way to unwind, meet people, and enjoy a lively atmosphere without any pressure. And who knows? You may even meet your other half. 🎳 Bowling is one of the easiest and most natural social ice‑breakers. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or you’ve never picked up a ball before, the game gives everyone something to laugh about, cheer for, and bond over. It’s also an excellent way to meet someone special—many people find that shared activities spark the most genuine connections. Hosted by the **Greece and Cyprus Meetup Group**, this event brings together a friendly mix of Greek speakers and people from all backgrounds. Everyone is welcome—every nationality, every vibe. 🛋️ We’ve secured lanes and a dedicated area for our group, giving you space to relax, mingle, and enjoy the evening at your own pace. 🎈 There’s no age restriction—this is an open, inclusive social circle. Whether you’re in the mood to chat, play, laugh, or simply soak up the atmosphere, you’re free to enjoy the night however you like. **💬 Expect** * Meaningful conversations * Spontaneous laughter * A warm, welcoming crowd * A chance to expand your social circle naturally * A fun, easy going activity that brings people together **🍸 Make the Most of Your Night** The venue offers a full bar and food menu, so you’re welcome to grab drinks or snacks throughout the evening. Want to keep the fun going? You can book additional games directly with the venue if you’re feeling competitive or simply want more time with new friends. **⏰ Important Arrival Policy** 🚫 To keep the event running smoothly and ensure everyone enjoys their full bowling game, **anyone arriving later than 19:15 cannot be accepted**. Please plan your journey so you don’t miss out. **🪪 Important Entry Information** * 🆔 All guests must bring **valid photo ID** (Driver’s Licence, European ID, or Passport). * 💳 **RSVP and advance payment are required.** * 📝 Once your ticket is paid, your name is added to the guest list. * 🚪 **No entry without a ticket**—all tickets are checked at the door. **📍 Finding Us** When you arrive, just ask the staff to direct you to **Panagiotis’s Events area**. We’ll be there to welcome you with a smile 😊 **📞 Contact** 📱 Call Panagiotis: **07508 502863** 📧 Email (tickets & inquiries): **greek_meetup@yahoo.com**

Join us this Friday for a *FREE Spanish–English Language Exchange* at Hito Coffee (inside Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club) ☕✨ Come meet new people, practice both languages, and enjoy relaxed, real conversations in a friendly and social atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner, fluent, or just curious—everyone is welcome! Enjoy a great cup of specialty coffee while you chat, connect, and unwind—it’s the perfect setting to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community. 🎉 *Bonus* As part of our community, you’ll get **50% off comedy show tickets** at the venue—so you can keep the evening going with some laughs after the meetup! 🌍 *What to expect* • Easy, natural language practice (Spanish & English) • Friendly, social vibes • A great mix of locals & internationals • Great coffee + good energy 📍 Hito Coffee, South Bank Inside Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club Free event — just bring yourself and good vibes ✨ See you there! ### ☕ **Why Hito** We’re more than coffee—we’re about connection, community, and conversation. This is not a class, it’s a shared experience.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.