Information Retrieval
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out information retrieval events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the information retrieval events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find information retrieval events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Information Retrieval Events Today
Join in-person Information Retrieval events happening right now
Learn Medieval Arts, science, dancing and games!
Go Medieval!
Learn Medieval arts, sciences, dancing and games! Have somefun with like minded history geeks.
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
St. Andrew’s United Church
117 Bloor St EAST (near Church Street)
Ring the buzzer for the gate keeper
more info? www.eoforwic.ca
Introduction to Systemic Design
**Learn to see the system, not just the problem**
Complex challenges rarely live in one place; they span teams, touchpoints, and invisible connections.
This session is a hands-on introduction to systemic design: an approach that combines systems thinking and design to help us better understand and work within complexity.
In this interactive, learning-by-doing session, you’ll explore how systems thinking and design come together to tackle complex organizational challenges. Instead of jumping straight to solutions, we’ll step back to see the bigger picture - uncovering relationships, identifying patterns, and finding leverage points where thoughtful design can create meaningful impact.
You’ll work through a practical case, collaborate with others, and leave with new ways of thinking about problems that don’t have simple answers.
**👉 To secure your spot, please register via [Luma](https://luma.com/lqfccdiw):** https://luma.com/lqfccdiw
(*Meetup RSVPs don’t guarantee a seat*)
**What you’ll learn**
* Core principles of systemic design (interconnectedness, leverage points, human-centered thinking)
* How to map systems and uncover underlying dynamics
* How to identify patterns and opportunities for intervention
* How to move from complexity → clarity → action
**Who this is for**
* Designers who are tired of surface-level problem solving
* People who jump to solutions (you know who you are)
* Anyone curious about how ideas *actually* come together
* Professionals who want to nerd out, experiment, and learn by doing
**Format**
This is a **hands-on workshop**, not a lecture. Come ready to participate, think visually, and collaborate with others.
We’ll have pizza and pop — come hungry :)
**Agenda**
5:30 – 6:00 pm \| Arrival \+ settle in
6:00 – 7:30 pm \| Workshop session
7:30 pm onwards \| Stay back and connect
**Location**
Career Centre Lounge (Room 287), Rotman School of Management
105 St. George Street, Toronto
**In collaboration with Rotman’s Business Design Initiative (BDI)**
Led by [Emma Aiken-Klar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-jo-aiken-klar-phd/?utm_source=luma), with Service Design Drinks Toronto ([Shivika Sood](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivika-sood/?utm_source=luma)), this session explores systemic design in a hands-on, practical way.
[Service Design Drinks Toronto ](https://linkedin.com/company/sddtoronto?utm_source=luma)is a community of practice - a space to learn, experiment, and connect through service design in an open, accessible way.
[In-person] Curiosity Café – Censorship
The word “censorship” is typically associated with overt exercises of government power, like book burnings, national firewalls, and arrests, which are often defended in the name of protecting public morals (whatever those may be). Today, however, obstacles to the circulation of content and ideas often come in the form of subtler “indirect” restrictions, dictated not by the state but by private platforms and market pressures. In 2022, Disney quietly withheld LGBTQ titles from its streaming catalogue in the Gulf states, with no announcement and no legal obligation to do so. On YouTube, journalists and content creators have described having to alter war coverage or avoid it altogether because the platform’s advertising system can make such reporting financially unsustainable. [A 2024 investigation by The Markup](https://themarkup.org/automated-censorship/2024/02/25/demoted-deleted-and-denied-theres-more-than-just-shadowbanning-on-instagram "https://themarkup.org/automated-censorship/2024/02/25/demoted-deleted-and-denied-theres-more-than-just-shadowbanning-on-instagram") found that, on Instagram, non-graphic images of war were being quietly demoted and users denied any right to appeal (the platform attributed these occurrences to a bug). In each case, no law was passed, no speech or content formally prohibited. Yet critics have argued that these *de facto* restrictions amounted to censorship by other means.
Were they right? At our upcoming Curiosity Café, moderated by Yiming Jia and Adrian Ma, we will explore the nature and implications of what we might call “soft” censorship, asking questions such as:
* Is censorship still possible in the absence of a *formal* prohibition?
* Are the standards of what is and is not acceptable for public consumption being increasingly dictated by private companies? If so, who gets to challenge them?
* What is the relationship between censorship and public morals? Where do the morals that censorship ostensibly protects come from?
* Is discomfort a legitimate reason to restrict the circulation of speech? Or is discomfort sometimes exactly the point?
* Censorship sends a message about what is acceptable and what isn't. To what extent are these messages internalized over time?
Join us on Tuesday, May 19th, for a public and moral exploration of these questions and many others!
**Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-censorship-tickets-1989275453431) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle.
Hope to see you there!
***__________________________________________________________________***
This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us.
By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/).
About the Curiosity Café Series:
For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.
The Lift Nutrition WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE
Lose 10lbs in 5 WEEKS and Win Prizes !
Topics will include Metabolism, Carbohydrate addiction, digestive health, label reading, dining out, heart health and many more.
$ 50 to Join the Challenge includes:
- Weekly Weigh In, Accountability and Motivation
- 40 Min nutrition class
- Voucher for 'Healthy Meal'
- Personalized Meal Plan
- Lose 1 - 3lbs a week.
To register for your spot: www.ShapingUpCanada.com
Silent Bookclub Meeting #73
The next event is happening on Tuesday May 19 at 6:30PM in the Wellington Market Food Hall at The Well!
We'll be meeting in front of the Nord Lyon in The Wellington Market (food court!)
Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!
Information Retrieval Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Prediction-Making AI and Alignment
**This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/9cs5o16b).**
Rubi will cover two topics at the intersection of prediction-making AI and AI alignment:
1. How to align prediction making AI
2. How to use predictions in the alignment of general agents
This talk will discuss problems in using AI for predictions and how we might solve them, along with the implications for aligning powerful AI systems.
**Event Schedule**
6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions
6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A
7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions
If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).
Improv Class for New Friends
Don't be disappointed if you don't see a bunch of people attending. I advertise this on multiple platforms and the class usually sells out.
\*\*If you don't use Paypal, email me at ralph@socap.ca and we'll figure it out. You can pay be etransfer or with a credit card/cash at the venue.\*\*
Improv comedy uses several techniques to create laughter. These include, creating an atmosphere free of judgement, saying 'yes', active listening, being positive, putting your focus on others, and the importance of play and laughter.
Not coincidentally, these are the same things that happen to us naturally when we are bonding with another person.
In this class, we'll explore these techniques not with the goal of being funny, but with the goal of being people that other people want to be around.
The teacher, Ralph MacLeod, is a co-founder of two independent improv clubs in Toronto - Bad Dog Theatre and Social Capital Theatre. He's been teaching improv for over 30 years. He also teaches these same techniques to several organizations including UofT, Google, Kraft, Shopify and many, many more.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have!
FAQs and Good To Know....
After every event, a group from this class sit down and have a drink together so be prepared to stay if you want! Of course, you don't HAVE to.
You also don't have to be single or bring a friend. The vibe of this class is much more 'making new friends' than a 'singles' mixer'.
We usually run to 8:15 so pay for extra parking!
Tech Week: Toronto AI, Business, Tech & Finance Networking Event
***Tickets must be purchased in advance!***
🔗: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tech-week-toronto-ai-business-tech-finance-networking-event-tickets-1988794903092
Come join us at Tech week for Toronto AI,Business,Tech & Finance Networking Event to connect with Professionals and entrepreneurs.
**Welcome to the Toronto AI, Business, Tech & Finance Networking Event!**
Join us for an evening of Toronto Tech Week of dynamic networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration right in the heart of Toronto. This in-person event will take place at **Oria On King** , a stylish high end venue perfect for connecting with like-minded professionals in the AI,Business, Tech, and Finance industries. Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore new opportunities, or simply engage with fellow enthusiasts, this event is the place to be.
Meet and interact with some of the brightest minds in the industry, including entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals driving the future of Business,Technology and Finance through AI-driven solutions. Don’t miss this chance to expand your horizons and make meaningful connections!
**Event Highlights:**
* **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of AI, technology, and finance.
* **Collaboration Opportunities**: Explore new ventures and partnerships in AI and finance technology by engaging with like-minded professionals.
* **Cutting-Edge Trends**: Discover the latest advancements in AI technologies and fintech developments, and how they are transforming the finance,tech, and business sector.
**Date & Location:**
* **When**: Thur, May. 21st, 2025, 7:00 PM- 10PM
* **Where**: Oria On King
This exclusive event offers a golden opportunity to elevate your journey in technology and finance. Join us for an unforgettable evening of innovation, networking, and exploration.
🚀 #TechFinanceExpo #AIInnovation #NetworkingRevolution #FinTechConnect
**Who Should Attend?**
* **Professionals**: Expand your network in a vibrant and engaging environment.
* **Job Seekers**: Discover new opportunities or connect with future employers.
* **Recent Graduates**: Get insights from industry experts and build your professional network.
* **Entrepreneurs & CEOs**: Forge new partnerships and exchange insights with other business leaders.
* **Investors**: Find promising ventures and startups ready for investment.
* **Project Managers & Startups**: Collaborate on new projects or recruit the talent you need.
* **Media Professionals**: Connect with industry innovators and influencers.
**Stellar Socials Experience:**
At **Stellar Socials by Limitless**, we specialize in creating exceptional networking experiences that bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Our mission is to inspire collaboration, innovation, and growth by facilitating meaningful connections through curated events that resonate with our diverse audience.
This relaxed social gathering encourages organic conversations, allowing attendees to connect without pressure. Whether you're attending solo or with friends, come prepared to meet new people and explore exciting opportunities. With a focus on building valuable relationships, you'll leave with new contacts, fresh insights, and potential collaborations.
**Join Our Community:**
* **Instagram**: [@stellarsocialsbylimitless](https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/)
* **Facebook**: [Stellar Socials by Limitless](https://www.facebook.com/people/Stellar-Socials-By-Limitless/61567104153339/)
* **TikTok**: [@stellar.socials](https://www.tiktok.com/@stellar.socials?_t=8rruhvs9xN2&_r=1)
**Notice of Photography**: *Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in media, kindly notify one of the event organizers.*
Python Toronto May Meetup: May 21st at Thomson Reuters
Python Toronto is back! Join us for our May meetup at the **Thomson Reuters office at 19 Duncan Street, Toronto, ON M5H 3H1 on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00pm!**
If you are interested in giving a talk, we'd love to have you! Please fill out this form – [Submit a Python Toronto talk](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpNKB0Sbs893xp72M4TxmYGrTyLm4Nh1SSXnCqChP9mx6_9A/viewform?usp=header)! Talks are typically short, typically 5 to 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes if you've really got something to say, and on any topic that would be interesting to a room of Python people. This can be a Python library that has helped you, a research paper you've enjoyed, or an interesting application of AI.
The Python meetup is a casual, community-oriented meetup hosted by companies that use Python in Toronto. Talks are short, informal, and sometimes ad-hoc.
Space is limited! Register now to hold your spot.
**When / Where**
* When: **May 21, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:30pm.**
* Where: **Thomson Reuters Office - 19 Duncan Street, Toronto, ON M5H 3H1**
Come early to enjoy **snacks** and **drinks** provided.
**Code of Conduct**
Python Toronto is dedicated to providing a welcoming, harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for this venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media. Meetup participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the meetup (without a refund where applicable) at the discretion of the meetup organizers. Please email elaine@eswong.ca to report any issues.
Beach Volleyball All level Learn and Play
Join our WhatsApp group
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7838OJWfkiAlMEyNffVfZ)
Welcome to beach volleyball All Level Learn and Play Event in Spanish Banks. If you never play before but want to, no worry, you can learn basic skills over here. All the equipment is prepared. This event is for come to meet new friends, improve your volleyball skill and build your team. **Only 20 spots**
**If you can HOST our volleyball event, peope learn basic Skills from you. Reserve as HOST, get paid**
* People will **learn basic skills and rules from** **Our Host Leon** in the first hour.
* In the next hour, we will be divided into the different teams to play on the court.
* People who purchase the summer pass will be put into the same team, play with your same team players and build your team.
**Drop In $10**
**Flash Sale 2026 All summer Pass $69**
and May 17 2026 - Sep 6 2026 Sunday (No Events in Holiday or Raining)
[https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF](https://www.extremelyshy.com/toronto&RAP1VF)
**Book online only**, you will receive details and contact information in your confirmation email. Show your QR code to our host Natalie to verify.
Legal Stuff - Liabilities, Obligations, and Responsibilities
We are a group composed of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. However, as a group of friends and acquaintances, we will look out for each other. The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, You acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event
Panel Discussion: Intellectual Property in the Era of Vibe Coding
When code becomes commoditized, what actually gets protected?
RSVP Link - [https://luma.com/0ktn86g3](https://luma.com/0ktn86g3)
This is an in-person panel discussion hosted at a Dipchand Law office, bringing together experts from legal, AI, and strategy domains to explore how intellectual property is evolving in the age of AI-assisted development and “vibe coding.”
**Why this matters:**
AI tools are rapidly commoditizing software development. The barrier to building products is dropping, shifting the focus from writing code to owning ideas, data, and systems. This creates new challenges around ownership, licensing, and long-term defensibility.
**Key discussion areas:**
* Whether code still holds value as intellectual property
* Ownership of AI-generated code and outputs
* What developers and companies should protect beyond code (data, workflows, architecture)
* Enterprise risks including compliance, governance, and data exposure
* How organizations build defensibility when building becomes easy
**Speakers:**
**Stephano Salani**
Intellectual Property Lawyer, Dipchand LLP
**Yulia Pavlova, PhD**
Applied AI and Governance Leader, RBC Borealis AI
**Mohit Rajhans**
AI Consultant, ThinkStart.ca
**Event details:**
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM EDT
Location: Dipchand LLP Office, Toronto, ON
**What to expect:**
Panel discussion, networking, and Q&A session
**RSVP** - [https://luma.com/0ktn86g3](https://luma.com/0ktn86g3)
Iran : What Everyone Needs to Know -- by Michael Axworthy
Since the beginning of recorded history, Iran/Persia has been one of the most important world civilizations. Iran remains a distinct civilization today despite its status as a major Islamic state with broad regional influence and its deep integration into the global economy through its vast energy reserves. Yet the close attention paid to Iran in recent decades stems from the impact of the 1979 revolution, which unleashed ideological shock waves throughout the Middle East that reverberate to this day. Many observers look at Iran through the prism of the Islamic Republic's adversarial relationship with the US, Israel, and Sunni nations in its region, yet as Michael Axworthy shows in *Iran: What Everyone Needs to Know*, there is much more to contemporary Iran than its fraught foreign relations. He begins with a concise account of Iranian history from ancient times to the late twentieth century and then follows that with sharp summaries of the key events since the 1979 revolution. The final section of the book focuses on Iran today--its culture, economy, politics, and people--and assesses the challenges that the nation will face in coming years. *Iran* will be an essential overview of a complex and important nation that has occupied world headlines for nearly four decades.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Andrii
═════ $$ Refundable deposit:
We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event.
Please make a **refundable** deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to [toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com](mailto:toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com), when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer.
You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you!
═════ Meeting format:
* We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand.
* A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time.
* Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.
Information Retrieval Events Near You
Connect with your local Information Retrieval community
Building Scalable Customer Identity Resolution Pipelines on AWS Using AI
Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs.
This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context.
We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing.
**SPEAKER BIO**
Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856
**CALL FOR SPEAKERS**
Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/)
**THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/)
**DIRECTIONS**
8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH
go to 4th floor.
**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
TBD
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
TBD
**YouTube Link**
TBD
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.
Quarterly Community Gathering
Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space.
No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving.
If you’d like to take the stage, message \*\*Chris (the organizer)\*\*with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share.
Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus.
Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/)
Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
**Latest Dojo Location!**
**Knotty Pine Brewing**
1765 W 3rd Ave,
Columbus, OH 43212
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 speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community.
https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9
Drunken Philosophy: What’s up with all the AI hate?
**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion
**Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?**
A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad.
My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one.
Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it?
I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction.
Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends.
No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.





![[In-person] Curiosity Café – Censorship](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/1/9/8/highres_534200888.webp?w=640)














