Poetry

A short walk (approx 3.5 miles) through Regents Park and Regents Canal in the summer sunshine. LEAFY SUBURBS, OPULENCE, MANSIONS, PARKLANDS, GARDENS, LAKES. **WALK START POINT: Great Portland Street Station** (Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines - Zone 1) WALK DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles. WALK END POINT: A large pub near Paddington Station WALK ROUTE: Regent's Park and Regents Canal to Paddington, WALK STOP OUT POINT: Nearby bus routes during most of the walk. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. The walk is free for holders of this card. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.8

Walk length 5.5miles/9km approx. Linear. A short evening stroll along the Southbank towards Putney. There are a large number of features but some highlights to see along this short stretch of the Thames is the old Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park and Wandsworth Park. We can go for drinks at the end at a very classy pub. The Rocket, Putney Wharf, Brewhouse Ln, London SW15 2JQ FREE WALK TONIGHT.. Meeting and Transport Meet outside Battersea Power Station Tube on the South side of the river (see picture above) from 6.15pm to start at 6.30pm. Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (http://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday: We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table. \*(Please see full access info, further down.) ...... * We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference. This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people. Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small. i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by. Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many. ........ **6:00pm - 6:30pm** * Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink. * We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new. * (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to). **6.30pm - 7.30pm** * No talking. One hour. * You can leave the table at any point. * Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at! **7.30pm** Once 'Shut Up' time is over: * You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around. * You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish. * Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have. The time is for you, to get the most benefit. . **FACILITIES / ACCESS** Mobility access is limited: There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry. Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies. (The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.) Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending. **FOOD** There is food served all evening / including vegan options. You're welcome to eat whilst writing. **WI-FI** There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it! 'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo **DOG-FRIENDLY** Dogs also welcome. . If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly. . **A note about the format** We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do). Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details. You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide. No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed. Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead! This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space. **Respect** Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct) ...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably. Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us. For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).

***PLEASE NOTE:*** *Signup for our events must be made through the London Sailing Club website, and not via Meetup - [click here to register](https://www.londonsailing.club/Events/Calendar/View?id=207). If you are not already a member of the club you will need to become a full or social member which you can do [by clicking here](https://www.londonsailing.club/Registration/Register?isSlotReAssignment=False).* **Come and stretch your legs with some longer passages, experience night sailing, and maybe even cross the Channel... This mile-builder trip intends to sail well beyond the Solent, and is best-suited to people who've already done some sailing. This is a non-commercial trip run on a shared-cost basis.** *Plan* Our plan will be to arrive at Port Hamble Marina on Friday by 4pm latest. After a safety briefing and a tour of the two yachts, we’ll most likely want to set sail that evening. Our cruising itinerary will be tailored to the weather, tides, and the group’s wishes, but the idea is to undertake some longer passages across to Cherbourg or Alderney, or down the South West Coast towards Weymouth. There'll be time to swim and relax, but there'll also be times when we're at sea for c.15 hours, including sailing at night and running a watch system. We'll return to Port Hamble Marina around lunchtime on Monday. It may be possible to have less experienced sailors join this trip, as long as we have enough crew across the two boats who have sufficient experience to helm at night and in busy shipping areas. *Yacht* We’ve chartered two modern 37ft Beneteau Oceanis that are licensed to carry 8 people each, but we’ll be a maximum of 6 plus skipper to ensure everyone has enough space and a proper chance to be involved in the sailing. Accommodation will be aboard the yachts in shared double cabins. The boats will have hot and cold water, a loo, heating, and when on shore plenty of electricity for charging phones. Note that during offshore passages some cabins may be uncomfortable for sleeping in, and therefore some 'hot bunking' may be required as part of the watch system. *Skipper* The Skipper is yet to be decided but will be an experienced sailor from the club, most likely assisted by a skipper in training from the club's Take The Helm scheme. More information will follow on them and their experience. *Kit* No special or expensive sailing kit required. Just bring practical footwear and clothing to suit the weather forecast. It gets cold offshore at night, so bring warm layers plus a warm hat and gloves. Lifejackets are provided. Foul weather gear can be hired locally if needed. Towels and bedding aren’t provided, so please bring a towel, pillow and sleeping bag. Don't forget to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, passport, swimming kit and, if you have one, a headtorch with a red bulb. You can read more about [suitable kit by clicking here](https://www.londonsailing.club/Cms/Spaces/DEFAULT/Recommended+kit+lists+for+sailing+trips) *Cost* This is a non-commercial trip run on a shared-cost basis. The cost is £385 per person, which covers the yacht charter (as it's a bank holiday weekend charter costs are higher than usual but we are able to benefit from a the club's 15% discount), fuel, marina/harbour fees, breakfasts, lunches, snacks and soft drinks, as well as a £5 contribution to the club's Muck Up Fund which allows us to help skippers on club trips manage the risk of accidental damage caused by trip participants. It doesn’t cover evening meals ashore or getting yourself to/from the trip. A deposit of £100 on booking is required to secure your place, with the balance payable three months before the event. Note that, because this trip is being advertised via the London Sailing Club’s platforms, any participant who is not already a full member of the Club (which costs £24 per year) will need to join prior to the start of the trip. *Visas / Immigration* This trip may involve crossing an international border. For UK and EU passport holders any visa process is likely to be straightforward. However if you have an overseas passport, or a particular visa situation, it is your responsibility to ensure you have whatever paperwork you need in place to travel to France and/or the Channel Islands. Every sailor on the trip will almost certainly need a valid passport with plenty of time left before it expires. London Sailing Club Terms and Conditions apply.

This a new walk, and is well worth doing, and is 6 miles approximately. We will meet at 11.00 am, for a hot drink at the cafe in Clifton Nurseries near Warwick Avenue Undeground Station. (This is a lovely Garden Centre and well worth visiting.} After our hot drink at 11.20 am, we will walk along The Regents Canal and to The Ice Wharf for a lunch {or bring our own}. With Camden Town Underground less than 10 minutes away. For those that would like to walk further, we can walk to Kings Cross and have a drink in The Parcel Yard in the station. £ 7 meetup fee required {please have the right change}. You will OK to wear trainers on this walk as it a concrete towpath. If you need any more info, please ring or text Paul on 07530 675739 {This is not a smart phone}

This is our Beehive Poetry Club meet-up. This is a space to both read poetry that we have felt inspired by and also a chance to have a go at writing something or having a go at a technique. Roughly each week will look like the following: 13.30 - Arrive for coffee + intoduction 13.40 - Poetry reading (anything you may have written or enjoyed reading) 14.20 - coffee break 14.30 Free write or writing activity 15.30 - finish

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK DIRECTLY AT OUR SITE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/day-of-poetry-a-full-day-of-creative-writing-food-drinks-a-free-book ... Hi there ✨ Whoever you are, you're warmly invited to join us for a full-day poetry workshop ✍️ with food & drink 🍴☕🍷, a pub quiz 🧠, and plenty of space to say something true, something strange, something yours 🌿 Together, we'll be writing poetry, one of the oldest, strangest, and most surprisingly honest ways we have of telling the truth about being alive. From Ted Hughes to **Sylvia Plath**, to **Sonia Sanchez**, **Pablo Neruda**, **Rainer Maria Rilke**, **Stanley Kunitz**, **Claudia Rankine** and **Ocean Vuong**, poetry keeps showing up, and keeps telling the truth. This day isn't just about reading or analysing those poets (though we'll do a little of that). We'll also be having our own go at writing new poems, using three ideas as our lens: **nature, city life, and the inner self**. By the end of the day, you'll leave with some fresh drafts, images, and lines to take home and develop in your own time. **What do we mean by Day of Poetry? 🤔** We'll be writing through three territories that poets have always returned to: * **Nature -** What does the organic world outside us reveal about the world within? * **City life -** How do we find language for the crowd, the commute, the stranger on the platform...? * **The inner self -** Exploring grief, longing, memory, wonder, what are we carrying, and what happens when we put it into words? We'll read short extracts from some of the poets named above, then use them as springboards for our own guided writing exercises. No dogma. No right answers. Just curiosity, attention, and honest language. 🌿 **So, what's the plan? 🗓️** * Arrive at Finch's Pub for teas/coffees ☕ and a gentle warm-up writing session ✍️ * Settle into reading, conversation, supported exploration, and lots more writing 💬 * Break for lunch 🥗 at the pub * Dive back in for an afternoon of deeper writing and creative experiments 🌀 **What's included? 🎁** * A full day of poetry workshops & exercises ✨ * Tea or coffee to start ☕ * Lunch at Finch's Pub 🥗 * A drink of your choice in the afternoon 🍻🍷🥤 * A free Penguin mini modern classic book! * Thoughtful literary handouts 📄 **What do you need to bring? 🎒** * Yourself 🙌 * A pen & pad 🖊️📓 (or a laptop 💻 if you prefer) **Our style 🌱** We create a friendly, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere 💜 Everybody is welcome. No experience necessary 🌈 There's no pressure to share or perform in front of the group 🙅 You can take part quietly, actively, or anywhere in between. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to text me on 📱 +44 (0) 7534 981 636 and I'll do my best to help. Warm wishes 🌞, Sean (A Write & a Pint)

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of White Nights by Dostoevsky. It’s a short, quietly powerful story about loneliness, hope, and fleeting connection—perfect for a meaningful conversation without a huge time commitment. If you enjoy reflective reads or just want to explore something a little different with good company, this is for you. No pressure, no need to be an expert—just bring your thoughts, impressions, or even questions.

**☀️THE SUNSET SESSIONS with Ecstatic Dance London** **🌿Outdoor Ecstatic Dance • Cacao Ceremony • Picnic Social** **🌀SIGN UP FOR UPCOMING EVENTS & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/open-air-ecstatic-dance-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/open-air-ecstatic-dance-london) **MORE INFO & BOOKINGS:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988857614664?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988857614664?aff=oddtdtcreator) Dear friends, Nature lovers & sober dancers, We’d love to join us for these beautiful open-air dance journeys on the Earth & beneath the Summer sky… We’ll be surrounded by trees, birds, wild grasses & Mama Nature herself 🌎 🎧There’s something magical & heart-warming about moving outdoors with silent disco headphones! **Expect:** 🌿 Ecstatic Dance outdoors 🍫 Heart-opening cacao ceremony 🎧 Immersive silent disco experience 🧺 Optional picnic social after the dance 💃 A warm, welcoming community 🌅 Nature, movement & summer vibes PLUS! ☀️Join us **[Beyond the Dancefloor](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/beyondthedancefloor)** this summer with curated Hikes, Community Socials & Picnics. It's a free membership, and you'll receive invites to our community beyond the dancefloor - **SIGN UP HERE:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/beyondthedancefloor](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/beyondthedancefloor)

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

**❤️‍🔥 Richmond Online Speed Dating on Zoom** Online speed dating for Richmond locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group below, register, and take the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, matched, and fun. 💕 ✨

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

**💝 Surrey Zoom Online Speed Dating** Online speed dating for Surrey locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Your next match is one Zoom call away. 🫶 ✨

**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.