Writing

[Exceptionally at ramram cafe, inside the PBZ Altstadt library, while Strauhof is closed for the summer!] Join us for an opportunity to enjoy, discuss and learn from excellent writing. We'll have a semi-private room at The Alehouse, with three reading and discussion slots and an opportunity to meet other writers. A few notes for prospective writers: 1. You aren’t required to share your own work and should feel encouraged to attend simply to enjoy and discuss the work of others, if you prefer. 1. All genres, formats, and styles of creative writing welcome, noting that the focus will be on discussing English-language fiction (or creative non-fiction). Poetry is likely to be better suited to the marvellous Zürich Poetry Club. 1. All abilities are welcome, from those just starting out to those who have already made progress in their writing, from hobbyists to professionals. 1. There will be three reading slots for each session, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please indicate in the comments for the event if you would like to share something. 1. If you would like to share your writing with the group, you can do so either by reading aloud or allowing group members to read directly. You can expect to read for 5-7 minutes (approximately 600-1000 words) with 15-20 minutes provided for discussion afterwards. 1. If possible, please bring sufficient copies of any writing that you would like to present, so that everyone can read it themselves. You can also request written feedback. 1. Improving as a writer requires both guidance and encouragement, so you can expect the discussion to be constructive and courteous - we all know how challenging it can be. We hope that you will be able to join, and look forward to seeing you there!

**Trust, but Sandbox** Agents are becoming more autonomous, are expected to work more independently, and are being granted greater privileges. They install tools as and when they need them. And they can access all files on the system, use the browser with existing cookies, and much more. How can we allow the agent to work while still maintaining control? The talk will present three methods for isolating coding agents and compare their advantages and disadvantages. First, I’ll outline the capabilities of a local agent and the risks that come with them. In a live demo, I’ll show just how simple sandboxing can be and how great it feels to switch to ‘YOLO mode’ without a second thought and let the agent work on his tasks. Finally, we’ll take a look at some practical features that a separate environment for agents can offer. **Michael Krämer** is working in software development for over 20 year and works as a Software Architect at INNOQ. He is very commited to work out component designs with clearly defined responsibilities and to find appropriate solutions for requirements. Besides that he is engaged in Machine Learning, the integration of ML models in production environments and works as a trainer for Software Architecture.

**If your design feels right, how do you prove that it works?** Creatives are taught to trust their instincts, and rightly so. But intuition alone can leave your best work undefended in the room, and it cannot tell you whether a design actually changed anything. What looks better in a critique still needs to prove that it creates value in the real world. So, the real challenge is knowing what works, not just what looks good. In this keynote, **Mario Stipetic**, product designer, engineer, and product manager based in Zürich, introduces data-driven design as a practical way to use evidence without killing creativity. With over 14 years of experience designing and building SaaS web and mobile products end to end, including as Head of Product Design at a US-based fintech, Mario works at the intersection of design, product, and engineering. Join us on **June 30** as Mario shows, through real before-and-after case studies, how simple data can help teams test ideas, iterate faster, and build products people keep coming back to. **💡 What will you learn?** * Why creativity and data work best together, and how measurement helps you defend your design decisions * How simple methods like a 1–5 survey, a funnel, or a fake button can give you real proof without a big team or budget * How to set a clear hypothesis and one metric before you design, then measure before vs after * How to read what the data is telling you and turn it into sharper copy, visuals, flows, and product decisions *Connect with Mario* [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/in/mariostipetic) —— **📍 Where?** [Kulturhaus Helferei](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJuPTcLTmihXxHyn9), near the Grossmünster in Niederdorf. \> Kirchgasse 13\, 8001 Zürich (Tram-Station Helmhaus) **📅 When?** Tuesday, June 30, 6:45 PM / 18:45 Uhr **⏰ What’s the schedule?** 6:30 PM → Doors open 6:45 PM → Keynote + Q&A 7:30 PM → Networking 🔗 **Discord** Get event reminders and connect with other members on Discord: ➡️ [discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk](https://discord.gg/PAyRBDhKkk) —— **Who’s Visual Fields?** Visual Fields is a network of designers and creatives built for people to connect, support, and share with fellow experts. We have upcoming events in Zürich, Basel, and Luzern. [Check out upcoming events](https://www.visualfields.ch/) —— **Event policies** We have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Be mindful not to make assumptions about gender, sexual orientation, or identity. Always ask for consent - for physical contact and work critique - and treat everyone and the space with respect. [All policies](https://www.joyed.com/experiences/ep) **Fine print (the friendly kind)** By joining, you agree that photos or videos taken at the event may be used by Visual Fields for promotional and communication purposes. See you there! 😇

📖 **Stop standing in your own way and unlock your true potential** 📚 🗓 **Date:** Tuesday 30.06 🎟 **Entry:** 5 CHF (tea & snack included) **🔗Registration required:** [LINK](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/419379f2-5c06-434c-a63f-307a941a2120) 🕗 **Time:** 18:30 – 20:00 📍**Location:** [ANNTIN studio, ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6XoEGBx1ahV9utHB7)**[Glattbrugg train station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6XoEGBx1ahV9utHB7)** (10 min from HB, 7 min from Hardbrücke, 2 min from Oerlikon) ⸻ **What to expect** 📖 **18:30 – 19:30:** Group discussion & book insights ☕ **19:30 – 20:00:** Unmoderated social time & connections ⸻ Reclaim your focus and get inspired! In a world full of daily distractions, we’re coming together to dive into **"The Mountain Is You" by Brianna Wiest.** This is a powerful space to discuss self-sabotage, understand why we do it, and share practical insights on how to transform our biggest internal challenges into giant leaps forward. This is a space to stay motivated through the ups and downs of life by sharing how these ideas actually work in practice. We’ll spend the first hour exchanging observations about the book as a group. The final 30 minutes are unmoderated, giving you the chance to chat naturally in smaller groups or one-on-one. It’s an easy-going way to take some time for yourself, get back into reading, and meet like-minded people who value personal development. 🎟 While the book club discussion itself is free, a 5 CHF commitment ticket is required to secure your spot and help us manage exact participant numbers. Your ticket includes tea and snack on site. [LINK ](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/419379f2-5c06-434c-a63f-307a941a2120)to registration ⚠️ **Please cancel if you know you can't come**, so we can prepare the space accordingly. **In case of any questions contact us here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t)

**Und was Unternehmen daraus über Sichtbarkeit, Kontrolle und Vertrauen in der KI-Welt lernen.** «Stöck, Wyys, Stich.» In der Schweiz weiss jeder sofort, was gespielt wird. Die grossen KI-Modelle kennen unser Kulturgut jedoch nur oberflächlich. Wo das Trainingsmaterial dünn ist, erfinden sie die Regeln mit voller Überzeugung. Dasselbe Problem hat fast jede Firma mit ihrem internen Fach- und Produktwissen. Remo Prinz zeigt, wie man durch strukturierte Daten Teil des KI-Training Korpus wird, verlässlich zitiert wird und dieses Fundament über ein autorisiertes Model Context Protocol (MCP) zu einer kontrollierten, vertrauenswürdigen Live-Quelle ausbaut. Ist es ausserdem möglich, ein Modell zu trainieren, das nicht nur perfekt jasst, sondern als geduldiger Mentor jeden Zug erklären kann? Ein Abend über Tradition, strukturierte Daten – und die Frage, wie Organisationen in der KI-Welt zur Quelle werden, der die Maschinen vertrauen.

**Come for lunch. Leave with a draft.** Think you don’t have time to write? Think again. Fuel your lunch break with literature and instant inspiration at the **Zurich Writes! Lunch Club**. **12:15 - Fuel up:** Grab a sandwich or toastie at **Café ramram**, a new creative hub inside the ground floor of the historic Pestalozzi library in Old Town **12:30 - 13:30** **Spark**: Get inspired by a selected literary text **Write**: Put pen to paper with a writing prompt (25min) **Connect**: Share and chat about your work The writing prompts are cross-genre and can be applied to any form you write in - fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, etc. Feel free to use the time to work on a piece of writing outside of the prompt as well, this space is for wherever your creativity takes you! About the host: Yun Wei holds an MFA in poetry from Brooklyn College and studied at Georgetown and LSE. A recipient of the Boulevard Poetry Contest and Veasna So Fiction Scholarship, her stories and poems appear in *Adroit, Poetry Daily, Wigleaf, Michigan Quarterly* and over 20 other journals. She teaches workshops for Geneva Writers Group and International Women’s Writing Guild. IG: @pomegranatewei

Welcome to the **Task-Buddies** event of the **Zürich Productivity Circle**, where we bring together like-minded individuals to work on personal goals and share the experience of growth in a supportive community. Maybe you are building a business or side hustle, studying for a course, learning a new (programming) language, figuring the tax system out, writing code, prose, or poetry, researching new stocks for your portfolio, tackling your German homework, or upskilling for your job. In all of these cases and more, this is the perfect space for you. In fact, productivity does not end there. Even if you just want to read a psychology book to resolve a personal struggle, sketch a mountain, listen to podcasts, organize your week, respond to unanswered emails and messages, enjoy a novel, or just reflect and meditate, you are very welcome here. For any task that adds positively to your life and can be done sitting down with others (exception: anything noisy/disruptive/disrespectful), you will fit into the events. We will meet at a work-friendly café in Zürich and follow the agenda below. **Agenda:** * **Introductions and food (20-30 mins):** Start with a round of introductions to get to know each other and share what we'll be working on, buy our food and drinks (alternatively one can also buy them later on). * **Productive Work Session (1-2 hours)** Dive into your individual tasks in a focussed, distraction-free environment. * **Collective Break and Socializing (\~15 mins):** Take a planned break to stretch, chat, get more coffee, and share insights about your projects. * **Continued Work Session (1-2 hours):** Get back to your tasks with renewed focus and motivation. * **Wrap-Up and Reflections (15+ mins):** Conclude with a reflection on what we accomplished, share productivity tips or questions, discuss plans for future meetups, stay back for more chit chat if you like. **What to Bring:** * Your project or task materials (laptop, charger, books, sketchpad, pen, etc.) * Respectful and kind demeanour * A positive attitude and a willingness to share and learn **Note:** Please ensure that your tasks are suitable for a quiet, communal setting. We aim to maintain a respectful and conducive environment for everyone. **Venue Courtesy:** Out of courtesy for the venue, please order something to eat or drink for yourself. This helps support the café and ensures we can continue to use their space for our meetups.

Bienvenida al del club de lectura en Zürich! Un espacio para conectar, compartir y conocernos entre lectoras que viven en Zürich y alrededores.
 El libro elegido para la próxima reunión es: **Un mundo Feliz de Aldous Huxley** así que tienes hasta el **04 de Julio** para leerlo y unirte a nuestra discusión. El enfoque lector del club es amplio: ficción, fantasía y novelas de todo tipo **¿Para quién es?** Para personas mayores de edad que quieran participar en un club de lectura. Será un espacio relajado, basado en el respeto y el amor por los libros. **¿Qué necesitas?** - Una libreta, lápiz o bolígrafo - Una manta - Agua y snacks para ti y/o para compartir. - El libro en físico o digital (opcional) Antes de hablar del libro haremos algunas actividades para romper el hielo, compartiremos tips para conseguir un hábito lector y hablaremos de recomendaciones lectoras. Como **recomendación** puedes tomar notas del libro, si eso te ayuda a recordar mejor. El debate no será académico, será sobre las opiniones personales de personajes, narrativa, historia, etc. Confirmaré unos días antes si, por motivos de clima, cambiamos a una cafetería. Si no llueve, nos vemos en el lugar indicado. (Revisa los mensajes del evento un par de días antes) Por favor sé puntual😊

We live in an age of unprecedented progress. Advances in medicine, technology, education, and human rights have given us opportunities and freedoms that previous generations could not even imagine. Yet, despite these achievements, many of us feel increasingly anxious, restless, exhausted, and overwhelmed. How can a society that has gained so much leave so many feeling depleted and always lonhing for more? The philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that this is not a contradiction, but a defining **feature** of our time. In his book *The Burnout Society*, he suggests that the crisis of modern life stems not from **oppression**, prohibition, or negativity, but from an **excess of positivity**—the constant pressure to achieve, optimize, perform, and become more. Han captures this paradox in one of his most famous observations: *"The complaint of the depressive individual, 'Nothing is possible,' can only occur in a society that thinks, 'Nothing is impossible.'"* In a world where limitless possibility has become an expectation, failure, exhaustion, and inadequacy are increasingly experienced as personal shortcomings rather than social problems. Today, we will explore Han's diagnosis of the modern condition, why burnout has become so widespread, and what his philosophy reveals about a possible way out. **Preparation:** You can get a good introduction of the topic by watchin one of the below videos: [Why We're All Burning Out: Byung-Chul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlRlWuEyt8E) [Achievment Society - Byung-Chul Han | Philosophize This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm56nQ31kBk) **For Philosophical Minds Zurich theme events in general:** At our theme events, we begin with a brief topic introduction, followed by engaging discussions in small groups. It’s all about conversation, not just listening. Also, please note, we keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal—**there’s** **no pressure to speak in front of anyone**. **Important:** When you register for the event, please commit to it and don't be a NO SHOW. Presumably, when the ancient philosophers decided to go to an event, they kept to it.
 We look forward to seeing you. **Payment:** You can pay at the venue (Twint/Revolut/Cash). Thus, if you want to register at Meetup just click attend - no more needed ;). We look forward to seeing you.

Herzlich Willkommen zum **ECK Licht und Ton Gottesdienst** "Es liegt in der Natur der unsterblichen Seele zu träumen. Deshalb sind Ihre Träume sowohl im Alltag als auch während des Schlafes so wichtig." Harold Klemp, *Spirituelle Weisheit zu Träumen,* S. 1 Menschen aller Glaubensrichtungen und Überzeugungen sind zum ECK Licht und Ton Gottesdienst willkommen. Die Gottesdienste dauern etwa eine Stunde und können Elemente wie eine Rede, leichte musikalische Darbietungen, Podiumsgespräche und Austausch in Kleingruppen beinhalten. Du kannst davon ausgehen, dass du in irgendeiner Weise eine neue Erfahrung mit Gottes Liebe machen wirst! In den Gottesdiensten gibt es immer Zeit, Licht und Ton Gottes zu erfahren beim Singen von HU und in der anschliessenden kurzen Kontemplation. Du kannst frei entscheiden, ob du aktiv oder still teilnehmen willst. Weitere Informationen zu Eckankar und der Lehre von ECK findest du auf den Webseiten www.eckankar.ch oder www.eckankar.org (englisch). Verantwortliche Organisation: Eckankar Gesellschaft Schweiz, Verein mit Sitz in Zürich, [https://2020.eckankar.ch/eckankar-in-der-schweiz/](https://2020.eckankar.ch/eckankar-in-der-schweiz/)

**In diesem Beitrag schildert der Collaboard-Geschäftsführer Michael Görög die Aufholjagd seines kleinen Teams gegen etablierte internationale Wettbewerber, die teils Jahre Vorsprung hatten. Und wie daraus eine starke, souveräne und sichere Alternative zu Mural und Miro wird, die beim Gebrauch auch noch Spass macht.** Collaboard begann mit dem Aufstieg agiler Arbeitsformen und aus dem Wunsch, interaktiv an elektronische Whiteboards zu arbeiten. Der ursprüngliche Fokus lag daher auf einer Whiteboard-Software für interaktive Displays, um Meetings und Workshops im physischen Raum digitaler und interaktiver zu gestalten. Aber mit der Pandemie veränderte der Markt sich radikal. Über Nacht brach der ursprüngliche Product-Market-Fit von Collaboard in sich zusammen: Statt digital unterstützter Zusammenarbeit im gemeinsamen Büro oder Sitzungszimmer war jetzt Remote-Work angesagt. Das Collaboard-Team stand damit vor der radikalen Herausforderung, innert kürzester Zeit aus der elektronischen Whiteboard-Software ein digitales Whiteboard für Remote-Zusammenarbeit zu entwickeln. ••• [Michael Görög](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gorog/) ist Co-Founder von [Collaboard](https://www.collaboard.app), einer in der Schweiz entwickelten Online-Whiteboard-Lösung für visuelle Zusammenarbeit. Mit über 16 Jahren Erfahrung in der Softwarebranche treibt er Innovationen im Bereich visueller Teamarbeit voran. Sein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf Sicherheit, Datenschutz und dem Einsatz moderner Technologien wie KI.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

The topic for July is "Shoes" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!